1.04 – Becoming a Great Interviewer
Conducting effective interviews is essential for finding the right candidates for your business. Whether you spend hours meticulously preparing or start planning when your candidate arrives, becoming a great interviewer hinges on thorough preparation.
The Importance of Preparation
Remember the time and effort you invested when preparing for a job interview? Researching the company, brushing up on your skills, and practicing your responses all contributed to your performance. As an interviewer, you should dedicate at least as much effort to prepare. This ensures you’re ready to ask insightful questions and evaluate candidates effectively.
Asking the Right Questions
The core of the interview process is the questions you ask and the responses you receive. Great questions lead to great answers. Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the job-hunting guide “What Color Is Your Parachute?” categorizes interview questions into four main types:
1. Why are you here?
Understand why the candidate is interested in your company. Their motivations can reveal much about their commitment and interest in the role.
2. What can you do for us?
Determine what skills and experiences the candidate brings to the table. This helps you understand how they can contribute to your company’s success.
3. What kind of person are you?
Gauge the candidate’s personality, ethics, and fit with your company culture. Use scenario-based questions to see how they think and respond to real-life situations.
4. Can we afford you?
Discuss compensation early to ensure both parties are on the same page. Remember, compensation includes more than just salary; consider benefits, work environment, and other perks.
Preparing for the Interview
To conduct a successful interview, follow these steps:
Review Resumes in Advance
Read each candidate’s resume thoroughly before the interview. This allows you to tailor your questions and make the interview more productive.
Familiarize Yourself with the Job Description
Ensure you understand all the duties and requirements of the position. Surprising new hires with unmentioned duties can lead to dissatisfaction.
Draft Your Questions
Create a checklist of key experiences, skills, and qualities you seek. Use this to guide your questions, but be flexible and ask follow-up questions as needed.
Choose a Comfortable Environment
Conduct interviews in a well-ventilated, private space free from interruptions. This helps both you and the candidate focus and perform well.
Taking Notes
During the interview, take detailed notes to remember each candidate’s responses and your impressions. Avoid drawing unrelated doodles and focus on key points and reactions. Notes are invaluable for comparing candidates and making informed decisions.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid these common mistakes during interviews:
Inappropriate Questions
Certain topics, such as age, marital status, and religion, are off-limits and can lead to legal issues. Stick to job-related questions that assess the candidate’s ability to perform the required tasks.
Power Trips
Avoid playing mind games or creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. Your goal is to evaluate the candidate’s fit for the role, not to intimidate them.
Overstepping Legal Boundaries
Be aware of legal restrictions in your country regarding interview questions. Focus on assessing job-related criteria to avoid potential lawsuits.
By following these guidelines, you can become a great interviewer, capable of identifying and hiring the best candidates for your organization. Effective interviewing not only helps you find the right people but also sets the tone for a positive and productive work environment.
