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Jun 04 2015
Interviewing prospective employees: getting it right

By Susan Croft.

Hiring new staff is an expensive process and it’s critical to get it right. Often candidates complain that their interviews were poorly handled in terms of the questions asked, the information given and the general attitude of the interviewer/s.

Let's take a quick look at some dos and don’ts for your next interview:


DO:

  • Make the candidate feel welcome as soon as they step into your offices. This means receptionists should be briefed and any other staff they may come into contact with before meeting you
  • Conduct the interview in a comfortable environment and offer refreshments. If you can, choose a meeting room when you can all sit around a table, rather than you behind a desk
  • Prepare well. This means having a list of questions you want to ask, information about your organisation and the position you wish to impart, and sufficient homework on the applicant – their experience, skills and interests
  • Ask behavioural and competency-based questions. These will quickly help you decide whether the candidate is a good fit for the position and for your organisation
  • Allow the applicant plenty of time to speak and listen attentively
  • Conclude the interview in a positive way
  • Follow-up in a timely fashion


DON’T:

  • Rush through the interview process
  • Take phone calls or allow interruptions, unless there is an emergency
  • Use negative body language – lack of eye contact, aggressive body gestures, sighing, casting eyes to ceiling, etc
  • Speak most of the time. The rule of thumb is speak 40% and listen 60%
  • Finish the candidate’s sentences for them. Allow people to speak without interruption


The Centre offers a one-day Interview skills workshop, facilitated by Susan Croft, where these and many more tips and techniques will be covered. View the full course outline, book a place or call us on 020 7490 3030 for more information.

Susan Croft is an international trainer and public speaker. She runs highly interactive workshops which include debate, small group exercises and role playing. She likes to think of her classrooms as learning labs and believes that if people don't have fun, they don't learn very much. 

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