HOW TO CONDUCT AN EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW
So, you're looking for your next hire - but you want to get it right.
You want to make sure you thoroughly assess each candidate's:
Experience
Knowledge
Personality
Skills
Social skills
So you can come to a decision you're fully confident in.
However, for many employers, this means conducting sometimes up to 3 interviews to be 100% sure.
And although these interviews may be necessary to go through the technical details of the role, sometimes with refined interview techniques, you can get through interviews much faster.
With candidates receiving multiple interviews and multiple job offers, it's crucial to keep them engaged throughout the hiring process.
No one likes dropouts... but that's what many employers get when they aren't concise.
Here are some tips to help you conduct your next interview effectively:
Prepare ahead of time
This one is probably a no-brainer. You come up with the questions and you let the candidate answer... right? Wrong.
An interview is a conversation.
A conversation where you want to understand a candidate's background and whether they'd be suitable, not just for the position, but for the environment.
This can't be assessed through simple question and answer, which means you have to prepare ahead of time just like the candidate would.
Consider these tips:
Familiarise yourself with the candidate's background and experience by reviewing their resume and cover letter
Consider the company culture and what qualities would be a good fit for the position
Prepare questions that are unique to the candidate that will help you get to know them as an individual
Be ready for them to ask questions about the role, the progression, or the company
Start with open-ended questions
Begin the interview with open-ended questions such as:
Tell me about yourself
How would your manager or colleagues describe you?
What motivates you to progress in your career?
What are your biggest strengths?
What are your biggest weaknesses?
What accomplishments are you particularly proud of?
This will allow the candidate to talk about themselves in a more personal way, which won't just calm the nerves by creating conversation, but it will help you to get a better picture of their personality.
Delve deeper with behavioural and situational questions
As the interview progresses, it's important to ask follow-up questions that delve deeper into the candidate's responses.
Here are a few examples:
Can you give me an example of a project you worked on that you're particularly proud of?
How did you handle a difficult situation at your previous job?
Can you tell me about a time when you had to work with a challenging team member and how you handled it?
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome them?
By asking these types of questions, you'll be able to get a better sense of the candidate's problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and how they handle challenges.
Sell the company
Traditionally, an interview is all about the candidate selling their abilities and convincing the employer why they're the right fit. But with the candidate-driven market we're in today, employers have to ensure they make their company stand out.
Take time during the interview to give the candidate a background of your role, the company, and what the position is all about.
Talk about:
Growth plans for the company
Progression opportunities for employees
The department associated with the role
The company culture
Benefits such as healthcare or flexible working
Just like you will be looking for that candidate that stands out, the candidate will be looking for the company that stands out.
Allow the candidate to ask questions
Most Hiring Managers ask candidates if they have any questions, but many don't realise how important it is.
For them, it can help them gain clarity about the role, the company culture, and the expectations.
But for you, the employer, it:
Demonstrates their interest: When a candidate asks questions, it shows that they are genuinely interested in the position and the company. You want to see that they're genuinely enthusiastic.
Provides insight: The questions asked by the candidate can provide valuable insight into their thought process and problem-solving skills. It can also give you a sense of what they value and what they are looking for in a career.
Enhances communication: When you allow the candidate to ask questions, it creates a two-way conversation that can help build rapport and trust. It also shows that you're interested in their opinion and perspective.
Follow up with the candidate after the interview
One way to ensure you provide the best candidate experience is by following up with them. You want to show them that you value their time.
Here are some tips on how effectively follow up with a candidate:
Send a personalised email thanking them for their time whilst expressing continued interest
Provide an update on the hiring process and when they can expect to hear back from you
Let them know that if they have any additional questions, feel free to contact them
Remember to maintain professionalism and avoid making any promises you can't keep.
- Written by Oliver Howson
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