The problem with a traditional job interview is it can sometimes feel like your favourite episode of Car Share – the one with the script you know off by heart.

It involves the interviewer asking predictable questions and the interviewee offering well-rehearsed answers.

While there’s nothing wrong with testing knowledge this way, it doesn’t always get to the core of a candidate’s character.

And character is hugely important when gauging a good match to the vacant role.

That’s why it’s worth considering new ways to get the best employees.

Remote Control

Want to have more control over who makes it to the interview stage but don’t want to miss the chance to speak in person to as wide a pool of talent as possible?

Use screen time.

Video interviews are not new but with super-connectivity they are easier and more reliable.

Real time video calling is a great way to screen remote candidates with more familiarity than a basic phone call.

On-demand video interviews, meanwhile, allow applicants to record themselves answering questions. This can be less stressful and allow less confident people to show off their real strengths.

 

Experience Days

Have you considered offering your short-list the opportunity of spending an afternoon in the workplace?

Being thrown in at the deep end and being asked to spend a couple of hours completing a task will mark out the good interviewee from the star worker.

The experience also helps the candidate to get a better feel for the company and how they might see themselves fitting in.

If it isn’t going to work for them, it’s best to know now, not after they’re hired.

 

All the Right Tools

Don’t stop with video conferencing – use every tool available in the tool belt. Soft skills assessments, for example, are now available as short surveys and mini-games, helping to very quickly form unique insights into each candidate.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), meantime, are only now beginning to be used in recruiting.

The new tech can be used to assess in real time an applicant’s adaptability to new virtual world situations, their problem solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Luckily, you don’t need any futuristic technology to reach the best candidates, all you need to do is post your vacancy on [site_name]!