The interview is your big chance to assess whether job applicants will be the right “fit” for your organization. Below are ten quick job interview tips you can use to ensure you interview like a pro.
1. Prepare in advance
It is not only the interviewee that should be busily preparing before an interview, the interviewer needs to be just as prepared also. It is essential that you know the job description thoroughly. A complete understanding of the job description will help you to ask the right questions and look for the right skills. Also, you will show the candidate that you engaged in the position; the interview is a two-way experience and the candidate will be looking at you as a representative of the organization.
2. Find an appropriate setting for the interview
A quiet and private room is always the best place for an interview. Make sure there will be no distractions and interruptions. Job interviews, like visiting the dentist, have a way inducing the nerves of even the most composed people. Do your best to make them feel at ease and comfortable; offering water, coffee, or tea, is a helpful way to curb their nerves.
Start the interview with the necessary courtesies; thank them for coming in today and give them an overview of how you would like the interview to proceed. This will help make them feel more relaxed, as they now know what to expect, and can prepare their thoughts in advance.
3. Know which skills are critical to being successful in the position and be specific in looking for them
In the interview you want to get to the heart of the job and whether or not the applicant can match these skills. It is easy for job candidates to exaggerate their abilities on application letters. The interview is the time to probe for more specific examples and ask about specific competencies.
Also ask open questions that will allow the employee to give you a full picture of their employment history. Pay close attention to how the candidate addresses these skills on their own initiative. The interview will allow you to get an overall understanding of their experiences and abilities, and you can assess if the candidate has proven their ability to match the needed skills.
4. Look for the right “fit” as well as skills
Andrew Staite from Hudson’s claims that employers “hire on skills, and fire on fit;” most interviews focus too much on skills and overlook candidates’ abilities to assimilate into the organization. Get to know the applicants personality through their answers; however, try not to ask leading questions so they will say what you want to hear.
When asking personal questions, be careful not to get too personal. Keep to general topics like family and hobbies and do stay clear of any potentially sensitive topics. You are just looking to see if the applicant displays positive attributes and if their interests and values will complement your team and organization.
5. Listen for the energy your job candidate brings to the descriptions
Energy and enthusiasm for all positions is crucial. Pay attention to how the candidate communicates their past experiences — were they excited about it, or do they seem burnt out; are they genuinely motivated for this position or not. Look at both verbal and non-verbal cues. Body language is a good sign of the candidate’s true feelings toward the position.
Assess their ability to create positive energy and motivation, in both individuals and groups. Seek examples of occasions when the candidate has shown positive motivation and inspired others.
6. Question gaps in their work history
Bring up the topic of gaps in their resume and let them explain the situation. It is normal for most people to have gaps in their resumes, and more likely than not there will be a valid explanation. This will also give you an idea of whether they will need skills updating or further training.
7. Don’t oversell the position or the company
This is one of the most important job interview tips & mdadsh; it’s easy to get excited about the applicant and revert to selling them the position, especially if you need to fill the position quickly, but try not to dominate the interview by talking about the position and company more than you need to. Let them speak and showcase themselves to you, as failing to could result in an unsuitable hire. Give candidates an opportunity to ask questions about the position and company at the end, and use this time to sell.
8. Review the resume and application letter before the interview
By reviewing a candidate’s resume and application letter before the interview, you will be able to move past their basic details and allow them to expand on their experiences and skills. Don’t waste time in the interview by having them list off information they have already given you. When you do review their resume, take notes, list out the questions you plan to ask in advance, and write down the answers so you don’t miss anything. You can use these notes to compare candidates later.
9. Actively listen throughout the interview
This may seem basic, but the importance of listening cannot be overstated enough. The interview is like a final exam and you are the examiner — you know what is needed to excel in the test, so listen for these competencies. Listen for details, listen for evidence, listen for indications, and listen for what is not being said. Listen to how they answer the question and whether anything has been purposely avoided and unanswered.
10. Conclude the interview with a throwaway or interesting question
At the end of the interview you should feel confident that you have covered all the important topics. After all, this is the last chance you will get to speak with the candidate. By asking another question such as, if you had a time machine, what will you be doing in fifteen years? You have a few extra moments while they think to go over your notes, and see if there is anything you missed and need to cover.
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