In the good old days (pre-pandemic), when lawyers interviewed for jobs, they dressed up in suits, maybe flew across the country, met with numerous people – sometimes sequentially and sometimes together – shook hands, and perhaps ate a meal and had a glass of wine.
With the Return to Office movement, those old-fashioned in-person interviews are coming back in style. Nevertheless, video interviews are holding their own as part of the recruitment lineup, if only for screenings or “meeting” out of town candidates.
While the interview format changed, the expectations of interviewing attorneys have not. As before, with good candidates, it’s sometimes necessary to “woo” him or her. Yet, seemingly, many interviewers lose their common sense about how to conduct an interview when they are online.
Employers, you still need to impress the candidates.
After all this time and practice with virtual interviewing, you would think that employers would have the process down pat. But not necessarily.
As legal recruiters, we have seen these mistakes firsthand. Everything you read below really happened. So, if you want someone to join your firm or company, don’t do any of the following:
Require candidates to have their videos on, while you’re only on audio
Ask yourself – is that fair? Or does it create the impression of an unequal playing field? If a candidate cannot be on equal footing with you, he or she will distrust you from the outset.
Type while you’re interviewing
Even if it’s a tag-team interview, you should give the candidate your full attention for the entire time that you committed for the interview. You may not realize it but, yes, people on the other side of your call usually can see and definitely can hear you typing away. It comes across as rude and disrespectful and implies that what you’re typing is more important than the person in front of you. Emergencies do arise and, if that happens, be sure to let the candidate know about it and apologize. Otherwise, you agreed to the time slot, so block it off like you would if you were talking to a client.
Continue to be distracted
Along the same lines, continuing to check email on your phone, reading something else on your screen, or responding to texts comes across as disrespectful. Candidates want to feel important. If you’re not paying attention, the message is that you don’t really care.
No show/late arrivals
We all lose track of time, get distracted, or get tied up with something else. But there’s someone on the other side of the screen waiting to meet you. Put yourself in their shoes: they’re probably questioning whether you forgot or if an emergency arose, and how long they should wait. Again, it communicates that the candidate isn’t important to you. So, be on time.
Underdress
One interviewer was in sweaty exercise clothes. Another was wearing a hoodie. No one is expecting formal attire, especially if you’re working from home that day, but a clean shirt or top (and pants!) should be the bare minimum. If you can’t do that, schedule a phone interview instead.
Everyone just wants to “feel the love.” Even if you’re not in person and able to impress a candidate by showing them your fancy office with the great view and art, or wine and dine them, give candidates the regard they deserve by focusing your undivided attention on them and respecting their time.
Remember, you may want this candidate to work with you.