Interviewing by Videoconferencing
Tips we have discovered
After our recent experience interviewing via videoconferencing I wanted to capture some pointers for others… particularly tips from the point of view of supporting the Interviewee at the other end.
I personally think this is vital to make the interviewee as comfortable as possible, as this is probably a very new and unusual experience on top of ‘interview nerves’.
Leonie Dernee & myself have put these tips together as part of our participation in the New England Institute of TAFE GEES section Videoconferencing project. Feel free to comment or give feedback via vivian.evans@tafensw.edu.au as we would value your contribution :-)
Reflections – the good, bad & the ugly (want went right & wrong)
- Practicing a week ahead linking up with Leonie & Marge, lining up the tables and the room and discussing the process was really useful and helped me feel more comfortable with the process
- Despite 2 practices still had minor glitches remembering how to use the equipment.... seems to be something different each time so logging in ½ hour earlier was handy to sort those issues out
- After one full day interviewing as a member of the panel, I was amazed the next morning at how much work there was to support the interviewees – with interviews 15 minutes apart, organizing water, meeting them, sorting out papers (after the interview) copying documents etc, allowing them the 10 minutes reading time etc,
- Expect the unexpected!! One of the interviewees arrived almost an hour early! I arrived half an hour earlier myself in order to set up a private area (with a desk, pen and paper) for the interviewees to read the questions - have a glass of water there as well. Vivian, I thought you and Vincent had communicated well with me, so we all seemed to be OK with what was happening. Ummm ... I endeavoured not to hassle the interviewees with photocopying documents until their interview was over ... thought the less stress and things to think about for them, other than the actual interview would be better. (Leonie)
Checklist to make sure we get it right in the future (more for the panel convenor)
- Line up a ‘Meet & Greet’ person at the ‘interviewee end’ (a better term for this would be good) well ahead of time (i.e. days or a week before)
- This could be different to the Video conference 'technology support person'
- Practice with the support person to make sure the rooms at both ends look good and it gives you an opportunity to talk through the process
- Have a checklist of tasks for the 'Meet & Greet' person and discuss with them... to make sure they are happy with the tasks (see below)
Checklist for the Meet & Greet person on the day
- Make sure that the table and room is set up as planned
- Provide a glass of water
- Have questions ready
- A place to read the questions that is quiet
- Documention for signing
- Introduce the person being interviewed to the panel
- Make sure they are comfortable & can hear & see the panel members
Cheers Don't forget if you see any gaps or want to give feedback please email vivian.evans@tafensw.edu.au