The job has been posted for less than an hour and already your inbox is flooded with resumes. For many companies, especially smaller ones, stating the hiring process can be quite intimidating. The variety of applicants and experience can make narrowing down your choices challenging. That’s the beauty of the interview. The hiring team can experience the candidate off paper, getting a feel for how he or she can fit in with the current workforce and help the company excel.
Sometimes a candidate appears one way in print, but is completely different when you talk face-to-face. That’s what makes the interview process so important. If you conduct an organized, effective interview, you can get the information you need to make a smart choice. However, if an interview derails, you may risk making a long-term mistake.
7 Tips to An Effective Interview
1. Start with the person, not the position:
Questions like “Where did you grow up?” or “What was your first job out of college?” can relax the candidate and give you insight into their personality. The interview should be a conversation, not an interrogation.
2. Ask open-ended questions:
These kinds of questions generate discussions and ideas, showing how where the job seeker might fit best in your team. Not only do these questions help with placement, but they can also show you the candidate’s ability to think critically and thoughtfully.
3. Show enthusiasm:
Unless the candidate is a statue made of stone, each interviewee is at least a little bit nervous. Help them move past the anxiety by pointing out something on their resume you found impressive.
4. Probe Deeper:
If the applicant seems hesitant to answer certain questions, probe a little deeper without seeming intrusive or judgmental. Reframe questions or ask about hypothetical situations to coax out the response you need.
5. Control your nonverbal:
Interviews can run a little long and the day can stretch on endlessly, especially if you’ve had back-to-back meetings. However, you can’t let that influence your behavior with the applicant. No matter how hungry, sore, stiff or tired you may feel, you must avoid yawning, looking at your watch or shifting in your seat. If your nonverbal cues are misinterpreted, they can unfairly throw the candidate off or, worst of all, drive away the perfect match.
6. Observe them in the environment:
Ask the administrative assistant to take notes on how candidates behave in the waiting room. Remember, the applicants are here to impress you. Getting an idea of how they act when they think you aren’t looking can give you insight into their priorities and work ethic.
7. Answer their questions honestly:
Give the candidate ample time to ask questions at the end of an interview and answer them thoroughly and honestly. The goal is to see if they are a good fit for you, but you also want to know if you’re a good fit for them. Upfront transparency can inspire the applicant to become an enthusiastic, lifelong employee.
At Pascoe Workforce Solutions, we know the hiring process can be time consuming and overwhelming for managers and busy HR departments. That’s why hundreds of prominent Massachusetts and Connecticut businesses have asked us to step in and streamline their hiring process. Our talent pool is filled with highly qualified permanent and temporary job seekers ready to fill your vacant positions, help with overloaded staff or take on special projects. Contact us today and we’ll develop staffing solutions custom tailored for your workforce needs.