Recruiting employees is one of the key processes in any organization. Selecting candidates and conducting effective interviews can be crucial to a company’s growth and success. In today’s reality, where remote work is becoming increasingly common, many entrepreneurs are questioning whether in-person interviews still make sense. In this article, we’ll explore this issue and discuss how to conduct a traditional in-person interview effectively to achieve the desired results.
In-Person Interviews in the Age of Remote Work – Do They Make Sense?
Despite the rise in popularity of remote work, in-person interviews still offer significant advantages. Face-to-face meetings allow for a better understanding of the candidate, something that’s often harder to achieve in a virtual setting, especially in the later stages of recruitment. It’s also easier to build rapport in a direct conversation, allowing the recruiter to observe the candidate’s body language and communication style.
How to Conduct an Interview to Select the Right Candidate?
Much is said about candidates preparing for interviews, but the recruiter’s approach is equally important for the success of the process. Before the interview, take the time to prepare by thoroughly reviewing the candidate’s CV.
Carefully analyze not only the information in the CV but also the candidate’s portfolio and social media profiles like LinkedIn. Make sure to prepare a list of interview questions that will help you obtain key information and verify the essential skills and experience relevant to the specific role.
Additionally, allow time for the candidate to ask questions – the way they approach this can provide important insights into their interest in the role. At the end of the interview, be sure to inform them of the next steps, so they know what to expect and when.
Effective Recruitment – The Recruiter’s Benefits from In-Person Meetings
In an era of remote and hybrid work, in-person interviews may seem like an outdated form of recruitment, but they still have their place. An in-person interview in a conference room is a great opportunity to get to know the candidate better and more accurately assess their fit with the team and company culture. Culture fit has become increasingly important, as it reduces employee turnover by more than 30%.
Reducing Technical Issues
One of the main challenges of remote interviews is the technical problems that can cause unnecessary stress, such as unstable internet connections or poor sound and video quality. In-person meetings eliminate these issues, allowing for a more natural and uninterrupted conversation.
Verifying Information in the Candidate’s CV
Live interviews make it easier to verify the information provided by the candidate in their CV. The recruiter can ask more detailed questions about qualifications and observe the candidate’s immediate reactions. It’s also often easier to conduct practical tasks during in-person recruitment.
Assessing the Candidate’s Presentation
Face-to-face meetings allow for a better assessment of the candidate’s body language, voice tone, and overall presentation, which can be difficult to capture during video conferences. These factors can be crucial, especially when hiring for positions requiring direct customer contact or representing the company externally.
Professional One-on-One Interviews – From the Candidate’s Perspective
Interviews can be stressful for any candidate, even those with extensive experience. The recruiter’s preparation and demeanor often play a key role in the success of the process. A professional HR approach can significantly enhance the comfort of the meeting and lead to a more successful recruitment outcome.
Professional Atmosphere
It’s important to remember that the interview reflects not only on the candidate but also on the employer, as represented by the recruiter. Candidates pay attention to the professionalism and preparedness of the interviewer, as well as the setting. A well-organized meeting in a modern conference room demonstrates the seriousness of the company, which positively affects its image and employer brand.
Comfort and Reduced Stress
As mentioned, face-to-face meetings allow for more natural and fluid communication. Observing the recruiter’s expressions and gestures can help the candidate better understand questions and expectations, fostering a more natural rapport.
Focus on the Employer Meeting
An in-person interview in a dedicated and well-prepared space minimizes the risk of distractions and allows both parties to focus on the conversation. The absence of technical issues that might arise in online meetings or external factors like working from home enables greater focus, making the conversation more effective.
How Can a Professional Conference Room at IdeaPlace Help You Prepare for an Interview?
The professional preparation of the interview space is important for both the recruiter and the candidate. IdeaPlace offers modern solutions that can greatly facilitate this process.
Privacy and Accessibility
Renting a professional conference room ensures that the recruitment meeting will take place in a calm and well-prepared environment, free from unwanted disruptions. The option to reserve the space for a specific time allows for flexibility in scheduling interviews according to the recruiter’s needs.
Convenient Location
Getting to the interview location can be another source of stress, especially if it’s far away. To simplify the recruitment process, it’s important to choose a convenient location.
IdeaPlace conference rooms are centrally located in Wrocław, at Solny Square 15, ensuring easy access even by public transport. This convenience can help reduce stress for candidates, improving punctuality and enhancing the efficiency of the recruitment process.
Support in Organizing Meetings
IdeaPlace provides full technical and organizational support, including modern infrastructure and professional facilities, ensuring that your company presents itself as a modern and attractive employer. Recruiters can focus entirely on the interview, confident that all logistical aspects are well planned and handled.
Ewa Rogoż
Ewa Rogoż is an experienced coworking pioneer in Wrocław and the founder of IdeaPlace – the first professional coworking space in Lower Silesia. Her dedication to business development and support for entrepreneurs led to the creation of an inspiring space in the heart of the city. Ewa not only creates coworking spaces for freelancers but also micro-offices for small teams, thereby supporting diverse business initiatives in the region.
