MightyRecruiterMaster These Interviewer Tips and Wax the Interview
So you finally thinned out that stack of resumes. What now Interview preparation is not just for candidates, and a smart hiring manager will try to make a good impression. If you’re hiring for the first time or you lack a dedicated human resources team, here are some interviewer tips you can use to ensure that you secure the most qualified candidates.
Provide an Introduction and an Outline for the Meeting
Begin by introducing your company and the job duties, and brief your candidate on the various people he or she will be meeting with. Provide a step-by-step synopsis of how you’d like the interview to play out, and be sure to allow for any questions. This lets your applicant know what to expect. More importantly, it conveys a sense of professionalism and shows that you care about your personnel.
Prepare a List of Critical and Supplementary Questions
Small details are easy to forget, so write down your questions ahead of time. Your list should include critical questions related to the job function and requirements, as well as a few extra topics you might use to guide the conversation.
Focus on Open-Ended Questions
This is one of the most important interviewer tips for managers. Avoid asking the applicant to simply restate what’s on the resume in front of you. Take this opportunity to see how well your candidate can formulate solutions and respond to pressure. Focus on thought provoking inquires while throwing in some hypothetical scenarios. This line of questioning will give you a clearer idea of future performance.
Don’t Talk Too Much
An interview is certainly two-sided, but don’t forget who’s on the spot. Interviewers who do all the talking often fail to obtain critical information. Your approach should be a three-step process:
1.Ask a question
2.Listen to the answer
3.Ask a follow-up question
By sticking to this process throughout the interview, you’ll allow your candidate to lead much of the discussion. Step three is a particularly effective way to dig into the ïhowï and the ïwhy.ï
Be Aware of Your Actions
This is one of the less obvious interviewer tips to consider, but try to be aware of your own non-verbal signals. Dress professionally but not in attire you wouldn’t normally wear. Speak clearly and purposefully, and above all, be polite. Candor is perfectly acceptable, but keep in mind that you’re still representing your company.
Welcome Your Guests
Interviewing is stressful for most candidates, and there’s nothing wrong with extending a few pleasantries. Consider offering your a brief tour of the office, and try to make common courtesy a part of its culture. If anything, these simple exchanges are a great way to break the ice.
Keep it Professional
While it’s important to be friendly, you want to avoid getting too personal. As a general rule of thumb, keep the conversation about the job. It’s ok to find common interests, but don’t get too far off topic. If you do, you may be tempted to hire someone you like but who is not necessarily qualified for the position.
Review Each Resume Beforehand
You’ve probably screened the resume of each candidate you’ve chosen to interview. However, take a few minutes to review before meeting face-to-face. The best interviewer tips all suggest various ways to show your candidate that you cared enough to prepare.
Offer a Timeline
While you may be trying to fill someone’s dream job, assume that every applicant is also interviewing somewhere else. Be mindful of this by giving your interviewees some kind of timeframe to work with. You don’t need pinpoint an exact date, but you’ve probably at least scheduled in all of your appointments. Simply let each candidate know when you hope to have a decision made. Furthermore, avoid giving hints or clues unless you intend to hire someone right on the spot.
Always Follow Up
Don’t make people lose sleep as they stare at their email inbox for weeks on end. On that same note, candidates have a right to follow up after a certain period of time. In fact, you should consider this a sign of dedication rather than being annoyed about another message on your voicemail. Whether it’s in an email or over the phone, reach out to each candidate as soon as you make the first cut or the final decision.
Job applicants are not the only people who should try to make a good impression. For more interviewer tips and suggestions for your hiring process, check out the valuable online resources here at LiveCareer.