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Okay, allow me to explain. Take a look at these two guys:

[Guy #1]

[Guy #2]

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What's the difference between these two?

How do they make you 'feel'?

What impression do they give? (ignore the beer in the second!)

The answers are all subjective and they lie with the person making the hiring decision. Soft skills are the skills that typically do not get quantified at the job - communication, adaptability, leadership, teamwork, etc. These skills are crucial because they make up the individual’s personal attributes - meaning who they are. To us at Pyxai, this is key because in standard recruiting, people get hired for what they know, but get fired for who they are...and we're working on fixing that by creating technology to help identify individuals for who they are. Okay, with all that said, here's what to look for in video interviews to make more informed hiring decisions:

1. Gauge Energy Levels

Energy levels play a significant role in how a candidate fits within your team. During video interviews, observe how candidates convey their energy. A candidate who exudes enthusiasm and positivity can energize a team, while someone who appears subdued or tired might not align with your company's dynamic culture.

Tip: Watch for signs of genuine excitement and engagement. Candidates who demonstrate high energy and a positive attitude are more likely to be motivated and aligned with your company's values.

2. Decode Body Language

Body language is a powerful indicator of a candidate's confidence and authenticity. In video interviews, effective communication goes beyond words. Understanding body language can provide insights into a candidate's true demeanor and fit for your organization.

Key Elements to Observe:

• Eye Contact: Look for consistent eye contact with the camera. This conveys confidence and attentiveness. Avoid candidates who frequently look away, as it may indicate discomfort or lack of confidence.
• Hand Movements: Notice how candidates use their hands. Open hand gestures generally suggest openness and honesty, while hidden or minimal hand movements can signal discomfort or reluctance.
• Facial Expressions: Pay attention to facial expressions as they reveal emotional states. For instance, genuine smiles and relaxed eyebrows suggest comfort and positivity, whereas furrowed brows or pursed lips might indicate stress or disagreement.

Tip: Consider using a structured rubric to evaluate these non-verbal cues consistently across all candidates to ensure a fair comparison.

3. Assess Verbal Tone, Pitch, and Intonation

The tone, pitch, and intonation of a candidate’s voice can reveal their emotional state and attitude. Effective communication involves not just the content of what is said, but also how it is said.

What to Listen For:

• Tone: Assess whether the candidate’s tone is enthusiastic and engaged or flat and monotone. A lively tone often correlates with passion and interest.
• Pitch: A varied pitch can indicate confidence and engagement, while a monotonous pitch may suggest a lack of enthusiasm or nervousness.
• Intonation: Look for variation in intonation, which can convey excitement and depth. Flat intonation might suggest disinterest or discomfort.

Tip: Pay attention to how candidates articulate their thoughts. Those who communicate with clarity and emotion are likely to be more effective communicators and better team members.

4. Develop a Consistent Evaluation Framework

Creating a standardized framework for evaluating video interviews ensures that you assess all candidates on the same criteria. This framework should include specific non-verbal cues and communication skills that are crucial for the role.

Tip: Develop a checklist or scoring system to objectively evaluate candidates on key aspects such as energy levels, body language, and verbal tone. This approach minimizes biases and helps in making more objective hiring decisions.

5. Be Mindful of Diverse Communication Styles

Remember that candidates come from diverse backgrounds and may have different communication styles. Some non-verbal cues might be influenced by cultural factors, personal comfort levels, or even possible disabilities.

Tip: While it's important to observe non-verbal cues, be aware of context and avoid making snap judgments based solely on these indicators. Ensure that your evaluation criteria are inclusive and consider the broader picture of each candidate’s potential.

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Conclusion

As video interviewing becomes a permanent fixture in the hiring landscape, mastering the art of evaluating candidates through non-verbal cues will be essential for hiring managers. By focusing on energy levels, body language, and verbal tone, and by applying a consistent and mindful approach, you can enhance your ability to identify top talent effectively.

Embrace these practices to refine your hiring process and build a more cohesive and dynamic team. After all, the ability to read beyond the screen can make all the difference in selecting the right fit for your organization.

Good luck with your next video interview, and may you find the perfect candidate to join your team!