How Do I Video Interview Candidates with a Work Portfolio

How Do I Video Interview Candidates with a Work PortfolioEvery candidate comes with their own set of unique bewerberinterviewing challenges. Thats why were tackling how to video interview different types of candidates with this how-to series. Today well be talking about how to use video interviews to connect with candidates that have an online work portfolio. Just because the candidate is on the other side of the webcam in a video interview and not the other side of a desk doesnt mean it should be hard to discuss their relevant work samples.A candidate with a great work portfolio can be a huge help during the hiring process. Now, instead of asking endless questions about their former work experience, you can see this work up close and personal. A work portfolio is especially good for quantifying the work of candidates in creative fields like illustration and graphic design. Instead of just taking the job seekers word when it comes to their design ability or creative flair, you can no w see it in finished form.The question now becomes how can you marry the work portfolio of your candidate into a video interview? Here are some simple tips for incorporating work samples into the interview, even if your candidate isnt there to hand over a physical manifestation of their workView the work portfolio before the video interview beginsThis is important dont wait until the interview to start browsing your candidates online work portfolio. First of all, its extremely rude. Just like asking obvious questions about a candidates resume in an in-person interview, it sends the message that you havent done your homework. This is likely to leave the candidate with a bad impression of your professionalism and maybe even your companys culture.Since the candidates work portfolio is online make sure to take the time to go through it and look at the samples provided. Think about what these samples tell you about the candidate. Keep in mind these are likely samples of the candidates be st work. So if the samples are not very impressive, perhaps you shouldnt be conducting a video interview with this job seeker at all.It might mean a little extra work to go through a job seekers portfolio, especially if the work samples are interactive or need to be read. But it can truly save you a lot of time and aggravation in the hiring process. And considering the cost of a bad hire can be as much as $50,000, its truly worth it to spend the extra time to make sure youre not hiring a dud.Print off relevant samples you want to discussSince your computer will be busy assisting you to video interview this potential top talent, go old school when it comes to referencing a candidates work portfolio. Printing the samples youd like to discuss in the interview will allow you to refer to the hard copy throughout the conversation.This will impress the candidate and show youve looked at their portfolio and have become conversant in their work. For a top-tier candidate, this might just spel l the difference between taking a job at your company and accepting a competitors offer.Get the inside scoop behind the impressive accomplishmentsWork portfolios are great at showing you real world examples of a candidates skills. But dont just accept everything in the portfolio at face value. The video interview is the time to get the inside scoop on how the candidate completed these impressive accomplishments.For example, you can use the interview setting as a jumping off point to discuss whether the candidate completed this work alone or on a team. Now you know more about the candidates personality and how they will fit into your company culture.A great work portfolio can tell you a lot about a top-tier job seeker. Just because this job seeker isnt sitting across from you in person, however, doesnt mean you cant delve into their former work in the video interview. With a little preparation you can use this work portfolio to make sure you nab the talent your company needsHow can y ou use a candidates online work portfolio in the video interview? Share in the comments