How to Open an Interview

Conducting an interview can be very important in figuring out the best candidate for the position you need to fill. The opening is extremely important since it will set the mood for the whole interview. Most people dread interviews even if they know the people involved so you want to try to put them at ease in the opening.

Instructions

1. Introduce yourself and anyone else in the room. Explain your position in the company. It's important to make the applicant aware of whether you or someone else will be his immediate supervisor.

2. Explain the interview process. Let the applicant know how many questions you will ask and disclose any procedures that you must follow to comply with company policy. Reassure the applicant that you will ask others the same questions, and you will judge them by the same criteria. Let him know why you selected him for an interview.

3. Explain process. Let the applicant know if you will hold several tiers of interviews before arriving at your decision or just one. Detail what will be expected at each step, and then quickly summarize what will take place in this initial interview. If you intend to test, let the applicant know now.

4. Ask whether the applicant has any questions to start. Once all matters are resolved, proceed with the interview. Start with some mundane questions to relax the applicant. Ask about family, hobbies and interests. This will relax the applicant, but it can also provide you with insights into her personality. After breaking the ice, move into the formal interview.