Job interviews are two way streets – First impressions count!
Even in this current economy it’s important to remember that the strongest candidates are also likely to be in the process of exploring several job opportunities. Because of this, it is imperative that interviewers form the best first impressions of their company when conducting job interviews.
In an interview, as well as trying to determine the best candidate, it is also gives the interviewer a chance to convey that their company is the best place for the applicant to work. The chances of securing the right candidate can increase significantly by applying a few simple interviewing techniques that will ensure the job and the company is reflected in the best possible light.
Be prepared – Just as you would expect the interviewee to come prepared for the interview, make sure that you are also prepared to conduct the interview. Make sure that you read through the candidate’s resume beforehand, so that you have an idea of their skills and experience enabling you to ask questions that are related to their job history, reducing the risk of rambling and going off on a tangent. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that you have prepared information about the history of your company, as well as information about what exactly the job is that they are being interviewed for and what it entails. Nothing will set off alarm bells more to a candidate than the interviewer being vague about what the job title may be and what duties they will be expected to perform. These actions can give the impression that the company may be unstable and that there may not be a position available at all.
Don’t read a script – Whilst it is always important for the interviewer to prepare a core set of questions, it is vital that you don’t just read from a script. If you do this, you run the risk of making the candidate feel uncomfortable as well as feeling that their answers are not really being listened to. If you just read question after question, the candidate may have already answered what you are asking, and will then have to repeat their answer, which won’t give you much credibility at all. So, ask questions, listen to the answers and be flexible with the structure of your interview allowing you to build a good rapport with the candidate. Remember, you are providing the first impression of the company that you potentially want this person to work for.
Watch the clock – No doubt you will have a few people to interview, and often these interviews can run back to back. If this is the case, make sure you stick to your schedule, and allow sufficient time for each interview, keeping 5-10 minutes up your sleeve – just in case. Just as you would not be impressed if an applicant turned up late to the interview, it does not paint a good picture to your potential new employee if you are running late to conduct the interview.
Make contact when you say you will – Most interviews tend to end with the interviewer informing the candidate when they can expect further feedback. And, this rule is simple – follow up when you say you are going to! If you indicate that you will let the candidate know if they are successful by the end of the week, make sure you communicate with them giving them feedback by the end of the week. Failing to do so can potentially lead to the perfect candidate thinking that your company is unreliable and unprofessional, which may mean they will seek other opportunities. You also run the risk or receiving ‘bad publicity’ as the candidate may relay their experiences to several people.
Conducting effective interviews do require time and effort, however when done correctly they can be of great benefit to both the company and the candidate. By following the tips mentioned above, it will provide assistance to ensure you are hiring the best person for the job and your company.
