A practical guide for Swiss companies selecting candidates via video call, covering organisation, communication and skills assessment.
Remote job interviews have become standard practice for many companies in Switzerland, from Ticino to the rest of the country, as they widen the candidate pool without geographic limits. However, conducting a professional remote interview requires attention to details that are taken for granted in person: the environment, body language, the pace of conversation. In this article we offer practical guidance for organising remote job interviews that leave a positive impression of your employer brand and allow you to assess candidates with confidence.
Why remote job interviews require dedicated preparation
A remote interview is not simply an in-person interview moved onto a screen. Implicit cues such as a handshake, the walk to the meeting room, and small informal exchanges that help break the ice are missing. These seemingly minor moments help build a climate of mutual trust.
To compensate, it is useful to structure the interview more carefully, dedicating a few initial minutes to a relaxed mutual introduction before moving to technical questions. A candidate who feels welcomed responds more naturally, allowing you to observe more authentic behaviour.
Plan a brief, courteous opening moment Confirm the duration and structure of the interview in advance Allow a time margin between interviews
Organising the setting for effective remote job interviews
The environment from which you conduct the interview says a lot about the company's professionalism. A tidy background, lighting that doesn't leave the face in shadow, and a quiet location are simple but often overlooked elements. No sophisticated setup is needed: just a neutral space, free of visual or sound distractions, where you can speak without interruptions.
It is also advisable to check in advance that the connection is stable and there are no glitches that force you to interrupt the candidate. An interview that runs smoothly without technical hitches leaves an impression of professionalism and respect for the candidate's time.
Choose a quiet, well-lit space Position the camera at eye level Avoid background noise and external interruptions Have the CV and prepared questions at hand
Managing non-verbal communication remotely
Remotely, non-verbal signals are reduced and distorted: looking at the camera can seem distant, silences feel heavier, and thinking pauses may be mistaken for hesitation. It's important to keep this in mind both when observing the candidate and when managing your own image.
Looking at the camera lens, rather than the screen, helps maintain eye contact that feels direct. Likewise, giving the candidate time to complete a thought without interrupting avoids misunderstandings caused by small transmission delays.
Maintain open and relaxed body language Leave natural pauses before responding Verbally confirm you are listening when video makes visual cues uncertain
Remember that the candidate is also evaluating you and the company: an attentive and approachable attitude during a remote job interview helps build a positive employer image, which matters in a market where valid applications compete with multiple offers.
Assessing candidates' skills without meeting them in person
Remote assessment requires more targeted questions, as some contextual cues typical of in-person interviews are missing. It helps to use questions based on concrete situations, asking the candidate to describe how they handled a specific problem in their career, rather than sticking to generic questions about skills listed on the CV.
Listening to how answers are structured is also a valuable indicator: a candidate who organises their thoughts clearly, even remotely, tends to communicate just as clearly in daily work. Take notes during the interview so you can compare several candidates using consistent criteria.
Prepare questions based on concrete situations and examples Leave room for the candidate to ask questions in turn Write down answers and impressions right after each interview Consider, if useful, a second interview to explore specific aspects further
After the remote job interview: following up professionally
A remote interview does not end when the call closes. Clearly communicating the timing and procedure of the next steps shows respect for the candidate and reinforces the company's professional image, regardless of the final selection outcome.
Timely feedback, even brief, helps maintain a good relationship with candidates who were not selected, who may prove interesting for future open positions or spread a positive opinion of the company within their professional network.