Innovative Interview Techniques for SMB’s
Most successful small to mid-sized business have mastered the art of collaboration, synergy and shared vision. The managers and employees of thriving businesses have built a communal work environment where everyone feels valued, respected and part of a larger purpose. How can you gain this type of unity within your own workplace It might surprise you to know that it often begins with hiring. If the manager hires a deadbeat, the entire office suffers. Productivity falters; relations burn and emotions run rampant, while work falls to the wayside. It can be difficult for hiring managers to clearly differentiate true talent versus a lying fox in interview settings, which is why we have created this guide for innovative interview techniques. Use these tips to help you easily weed out the worst and only hire the most dedicated employees.
Steps for Interview Success
Hiring the right person begins before you even step foot into an interview. It all starts with the job description. Write a detailed, specific description of exactly what you are looking for in potential employees. This makes the recruitment process much quicker, as applicants who don’t fit the mold won’t even bother applying; giving you only the most committed to work with.
Once you’ve mastered the job description, start working on interview questions. Creating thoughtful, deliberate questions can make all the difference in the employees you hire. Here are a few innovative interview techniques to help you ace the interview process.
-Involve Your Team
It’s easy for most businesses to claim to be team-oriented, but it’s a whole different level when you show the collaboration first-hand. Include key employees in the interview process. It allows them to make a connection with the potential employee, and it also provides hiring managers with a new set of eyes and ears. Maybe you missed a key factor in their attitude, personality or response. Bringing in another person allows both of you to watch for important triggers. You can allow team members to meet one-on-one with potential employees, or you can arrange a group interview.
-Test Their Quick Thinking
Many interview questions focus on the education or past employment history of the applicant. Instead of using the same dull questions that elicit rhetorical responses, try innovative interview technique questions that test their critical thinking and show how quickly they can elicit solutions to major problems. Try situational questions where you ask them to overcome a specific hurdle in their job when the odds are stacked against them. Use figures, client names or other details to provide them with as much information as possible to make an educated, quick thinking solution.
-Ask Why Questions
It’s easy to ask questions that involve the word ïwhatï in interviews, but to really dig deeper into a candidates thought process, ask questions that involve ïwhy.ï It will help you identify patterns in their personality. Use why questions when asking about certain successes, failures, career moves and decisions that affected others. Keep the questions focused on items from their resume or information they’ve offered during the interview. Don’t be afraid to ask why when a potential employee has offered a response to a situational question. You want to understand their thought process and how they arrive at their conclusions. Asking why will get you there.
-Ask Questions to Clarify Character
Small and mid-sized business owners have worked hard to create a brand they are proud of. Don’t let the wrong employee destroy everything you have worked so hard to build. Hire the right employees the first time by asking innovative interview technique questions that reveal their true character. If you want people on your team who are good collaborators, ask questions where they can discuss the value of teamwork and how they plan to work together with your current employee base. It’s also a good idea to ask them to dress professionally and be on time for the interview. If the applicant can’t meet those requests, they are immediately disqualified.
Save Time and Money
The recruitment process often involves excess time, energy and money from business owners. It can be a struggle to dedicate yourself to finding the right employees. However, it pays off. We promise you that if you follow these innovative interview techniques you will gain a better feel for strong employees versus the weak ones. Your business can become a thriving, successful venture with a dedicated team of visionaries. All you have to do is hire the right one. For more tools and tips on making the right hire, check out more articles on Mighty Recruiter. We look forward to helping you better your business and hire only the finest.