Up Close, Yet Far Away: Tips for Conducting Effective Video Interviews and Assessing Credibility
The world has dramatically changed. For many investigators, in-person interviews have been replaced by video interviews. Under the best of circumstances, one of the most challenging things an investigator must do is assess witness credibility by considering the plausibility of the testimony, corroboration and a host of other factors. Add to the mix a video interview, and investigations just got harder. Investigators must develop the skills and knowledge to connect with witnesses virtually to get the information they need to make credibility determinations and well-reasoned findings. This session will highlight some of the challenges facing investigators when conducting video interviews, as well as key factors and tips for assessing credibility.
OBJECTIVES
- Understand the challenges in assessing credibility via video.
- Get tips for effectively setting up your office, including lighting, camera and microphone use.
- Receive guidance on organizing and sharing documents.
- Learn about key credibility factors.
Allison West, Esq., SHRM-SCP, AWI-CH
Allison West is an employment attorney by background and for over 20 years has assisted employers in creating and maintaining safe and respectful work environments.
She focuses her practice on delivering customized workplace training, conducting workplace investigations, coaching executives/managers concerning performance or disciplinary issues as well as leadership topics, and serves as an expert witness. Allison also specializes in using her mediation skills to help individuals and groups to work through conflicts and create more collaborative work environments.
Allison is a top-rated speaker at the SHRM Annual Conference as well as other HR/diversity conferences, and is a national expert on harassment, discrimination and investigations. She has appeared on PBS, CBS This Morning and in O Magazine discussing workplace harassment issues.
She is a member of the State Bar of California and holds her SHRM-SCP certification and AWI-CH (investigation) certificate.