In today’s world, virtual interviewing is far more common than it was just a few months ago. Conducting these kinds of interviews can therefore be a challenge for both you and the nursing candidates you’re looking to hire. When you’re focused on nursing recruitment, how can you interview someone online? And how can you ensure your candidates are well-prepared for the experience? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Send instructions ahead of time.
To ensure each candidate is prepared for their online interview, send them instructions several days ahead of time. This should not only include the time and date, but also a link to whatever software platform you’re using for the virtual interview. This will give them a chance to click on it and troubleshoot any technical issues they’re having before the interview.
Explain what to expect.
In addition to technical instructions on where to go and when for the virtual interview, explain what to expect during the process. For many candidates, this experience is a new one and can be somewhat intimidating and more stressful than a face-to-face interview. Acknowledge the situation and also outline any steps to take if their are technical difficulties during the interview.
Keep age and experience in mind.
While you might have a nurse who has extensive experience, they’re also likely older and might not be as comfortable with the virtual interviewing experience as a younger candidate. As a result, their interview performance could suffer. Keep this in mind as you’re interviewing nurses across different age and experience levels.
Start off with some small talk.
Job interviews are notoriously stressful experiences even for the most seasoned nurse. That’s why it’s important to put your candidates at ease, especially during an interview that is so different from what they’re used to. To do so, acknowledge it, make some small talk, and start off with an ice breaker, such as a mutual connection you have. This will make everyone feel more comfortable and get the interview off to a better start.
Ask smart questions in your nursing interview.
Once the interview is underway, ask the same questions as you would during a face-to-face interview. For instance, some to consider include:
- Why did you decide to become a nurse?
- What’s most rewarding about the job?
- What’s your greatest skill or asset as a nurse?
- How do you handle the stress of the job?
- What do you do when a patient isn’t satisfied?
Stay focused during the interview.
Just as you would during a more traditional interview, make sure you stay focused during a virtual one. Make eye contact with the candidate, don’t check your phone or email, and conduct the interview in a quiet and private place without distractions.
Get help from a nursing recruitment firm.
If you’d prefer to leave the nursing recruitment in the hands of professionals, Provisional Recruiting is here for you. We have the in-house experts who can source top candidates, interview them thoroughly online, and rigorously vet them, all to ensure you get the new hires you need. Contact us today to learn more or get started.