It seems all interview advice is for those being interviewed, when it is just as important that the interviewer knows what they are doing. A good interview can be the difference between getting the candidate you want or not.
The tips below will help you prepare effectively for interviews and ensure you get the best out of the limited time you have to make such an important decision.
1. Understand the role that you are recruiting for. If the role is reporting to you, make sure you have a clear idea of what you are looking for. If the role is reporting to someone else, make sure they are either there or have given you a thorough brief.
2. Ensure you have read the CVs in detail – making notes on them about specific points that you want to bring up or questions you have about certain areas.
3. Have a list of questions that are role and person specific – this will give the interview direction and ensure that you come away with all the relevant information.
4. Try and book interviews on the same day or if that isn’t possible as close together as you can.
5. Avoid seeing lots of candidates. It can cause uncertainty if you see too many.
6. Leave adequate time for the interview and enough space in between them to digest the information. One hour is standard for an interview but can be a little too short if the role is of a senior or technical level.
7. Decide on what interview process you will be using. There are many to choose from including competency based, technical, formal and informal. Will the candidate need to perform a presentation? You may decide to use a mixture of formats depending on the type of role.
8. How many interviews will there be? Who will conduct the interview, and if it’s a panel who will lead? If you have a 2 or 3 stage interview process make sure you don’t allow too much time to lapse between interviews as it is easy for it to lose momentum and good candidates can slip through the net or accept roles elsewhere.
9. Make sure the candidate is given clear directions to the company, where to park and who to ask for on arrival. A lost and confused candidate is not conducive to a successful interview! Once they have arrived, don’t keep them waiting and try and be as prompt to meet them as you would expect from the candidate themselves.
10. Allow them to talk. It is easy to ask direct, closed questions that do not allow the candidate to freely talk about their skills and experience. You need to ask open, probing questions that will lead to a better understanding of their carer and suitability.
More next week on ‘Conducting a Successful Interview’ to get the best out of your interview…
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