How to Conduct a Job Interview

When hiring a new employee is your goal, here are some things to remember as you conduct a job interview while following legal guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper and pen
• Table and two chairs
• List of questions

1. Use a private office with a table so that both parties can comfortably take notes during the interview. Avoid sitting across a desk as this creates an impression of inequality between the interviewer and the candidate.
2. Have a formalized list of questions that directly pertain to the position ready and follow the same questioning for each candidate. Most first interviews should last from thirty minutes to one hour. Some companies will have a job candidate meet with several people and each will cover different aspects of the process. One manager might give a tour, another ask situational questions and another will handle background questions, for example.
3. Ask open-ended questions that do not require just a yes or no answer. Avoid personal questions other than small talk about the weather, directions or traffic. Do not ask about his family or ages of his children. He may volunteer personal information during the interview, but it should be relevant to your decision making process.
4. If there is a concern about her physical ability to handle the job, you should describe the job in detail and show her what needs to be done. If one of the major functions of the job involves heavy lifting or very demanding physical labor, you should work with a medical professional who can pre-screen candidates after you determine the finalists for the job.
5. Give the applicant ample time to ask questions at the end of your questions. Also, give the him some idea of what the job entails and general information about the company, the sales volume and plans for the future.
6. Always follow up with the applicant. Give her your business card during the interview and invite her to call if she has any additional questions. Then, once the final decision has been reached, call her and tell her the news. Anyone who comes in for an interview deserves a telephone call. Those not selected for interview can be send a letter.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask yourself if each question is directly related to the job. If not, don't ask.