Do you have a position in your company you need to fill? The best way to ensure that you find great employees is to conduct great interviews. But how can you prepare yourself to conduct an interview that will get you the information you need to make the best decision? Here are five tips you can apply as you get ready to meet candidates.
1. Involve Other Interviewers
Don’t feel that you must conduct interviews all on your own. Involving others from your organization (or a knowledgeable business associate) is an excellent way to learn more about the candidate and to see things from different perspectives. It also helps a novice interviewer feel more comfortable since they aren’t responsible for everything.
Multiple interviewers should each come up with their own talking points and questions, comparing these to avoid duplication. Listen attentively while other interviewers do their part, and use these as potential conversation starters of your own.
2. Reduce Stress for Both Parties
Stressful interviews aren’t good for either the interviewer or the interviewee. Schedule interviews during times of your own day when you will be less distracted and stressed. But also consider the needs of the candidates. You might offer multiple times during the day or days of the week for them to choose from. And schedule plenty of time for each interview as well as time to prepare yourself beforehand.
In addition, ask the interviewee if they have any questions before meeting. Let them know some of the points you may want to discuss so they can prepare. And begin with a bit of conversation to break the ice and make both of you feel more comfortable.
3. Think About What You Offer
Finding the right new hire isn’t just about determining if they fit your criteria but also ensuring your company culture fits them. Prepare a few talking points that highlight your company’s style of doing business, its values, its projects, and its goals. Discuss this particular position’s contribution to the company and where it falls in the organization. And do mention the most likely challenges the candidate may face.
4. Write Down Questions
The questions you ask will provide the most information about each candidate, so think ahead to what you may want to know more about. Asking all candidates the same questions helps you gauge the answers and compare them to your expectations and needs.
Look at questions as a way to start a conversation. Thanks to resumes or applications, you know the interviewee’s skills. So what follow-up questions might you ask to dig deeper?
When meeting a candidate who lists proficiency with QuickBooks as a skill, for instance, ask them what they like or do not like about the program. This open-ended question helps you learn about their attitudes, experience, and point of view.
5. Conduct Practice Interviews
If you haven’t interviewed anyone in a long time – or ever – don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Conduct a practice interview with a trusted member of your team, a friend, or even a family member serving as a potential candidate.
Go through the process of introducing yourself, asking questions, having a conversation, and responding to unexpected answers from candidates. This may seem a little unusual at first, but it will make your actual interviews go more smoothly.
Where to Learn More
Do you still have concerns about conducting a good interview? The staffing pros at Tulsa’s Green Country Staffing can help. We work with employers of all types to help them find the best candidates for both permanent and temporary positions. Call today to make an appointment and get answers to your interviewing questions.
