What are some common webinar mistakes to avoid when conducting online interviews and assessments?

1 Poor audio and video quality

Nothing can ruin a webinar faster than poor audio and video quality. Candidates may lose interest, get frustrated, or misunderstand your questions and instructions. To avoid this, make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a good microphone and webcam, and a quiet and well-lit environment. Test your equipment and software before the webinar and ask candidates to do the same. If possible, have a backup plan in case of technical issues.

2 Lack of preparation and structure

A webinar is not a casual chat. It is a formal and professional way to interview and assess candidates. Therefore, you need to prepare and structure your webinar carefully. Have a clear agenda and outline of what you want to cover, how long it will take, and what you expect from candidates. Share this information with candidates beforehand and remind them at the start of the webinar. Follow a logical sequence and avoid jumping from one topic to another. Use a timer and stick to your schedule.

3 Insufficient interaction and engagement

A webinar is not a one-way presentation. It is a two-way conversation that requires interaction and engagement from both sides. To avoid boring or alienating candidates, use different methods to involve them in the webinar. For example, you can ask open-ended questions, use polls and quizzes, show relevant visuals, and encourage feedback and comments. Make eye contact, smile, and use a friendly and enthusiastic tone. Acknowledge and address candidates by name and show interest in their responses.

4 Inadequate evaluation and feedback

A webinar is not just a show-and-tell. It is a tool to evaluate and provide feedback to candidates. To avoid missing or misjudging important information, use a clear and consistent criteria to measure candidates' performance and fit. Use a rating scale, a checklist, or a rubric to record your observations and notes. Compare candidates' results and rank them according to your hiring goals. Provide constructive and timely feedback to candidates after the webinar and let them know the next steps.

5 Unprofessional or inappropriate behavior

A webinar is not a social media live. It is a representation of your company culture and values. To avoid damaging your employer brand or offending candidates, behave professionally and appropriately during the webinar. Dress appropriately, avoid distractions, and respect candidates' time and privacy. Use polite and respectful language and avoid jokes, sarcasm, or personal comments that may be misunderstood or insensitive. Apologize for any mistakes or inconveniences and thank candidates for their participation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?