For inexperienced interviewers, conducting interviews may not seem like it will be a hard task. On the surface it is as simple as asking the interviewees some job-related questions. However, being a great interviewer requires spending time on planning and preparing for each interview.
Here are 7 Steps that you will become a great interviewer:
1. Know the job in detail
You will need to know every detail of your company’s open position. Have a clear idea of the duties and responsibilities of the role you are interviewing for. Having a clear, accurate job description is really important. (Follow this link to a handy job description template)
2. Have a clear picture of your ideal candidate
Make a list of the characteristics, skills, knowledge and experience a successful person in the role will have. What competencies will they need to succeed? (Follow this link to a template for your Person Specification)
3. Crafting excellent questions
One of the most important steps in your interviewing process is selecting what questions to ask the candidates. Using the Job Description and Person Specification craft a suite of questions that will allow the candidate to demonstrate how they meet your requirements for the role.
Think about how long you want the interview to take and prioritise your questions to ensure you get the essential information you need within that timeframe.
Using competency or behavioural questions will reveal where a candidate has demonstrated the traits you require in previous roles.
Don’t forget to include some questions to establish whether the candidate will be a good fit with your company culture.
4. Come up with rating system with precise criteria for every question asked
If you create a rating system with criteria for each of your interview questions, it will allow you to be able to assess your candidates’ answers in an objective way and easily compare the candidates.
5. Do your research on each candidate
Research each candidate you have selected to interview. Make yourself familiar with their resume and achievements. Make notes of anything on their resume that you would like them to expand on or explain. Maybe check out their LinkedIn profile.
6. Make sure you sell yourself and the company well to candidates
Interviewing isn’t just one sided, remember it’s a two-way process. Just as you’re evaluating potential candidates, they’re also evaluating you and your company. You need to be able to sell your company, highlight the benefits of working there, and describe the culture.
7. Get the basics right
Be on time, book an appropriate room, be courteous and try and help the candidate relax at the commencement of the interview. Doing this creates a good first impression and gets the interview off on the right foot.
Be a kind and considerate interviewer, and don’t rush the interview!
