How to Conduct the Perfect Interview
The goal of the interview process is to find suitable candidates to fill open job positions. If you're tasked with conducting employment interviews, it's important to perform a thorough analysis without intimidating or offending the prospective employee. Learning how to conduct the perfect interview can help ensure your organization attracts and hires the best job candidates.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Collect and review the job description and candidate information before conducting the interview. Getting a thorough understanding of the open position helps you better assess each candidate. Read the resume and employment history to familiarize yourself with relevant details. Highlight any information you'd like to follow up on during the interview.
-
2
Create relevant open-ended questions to use during the interview. This makes the process run more smoothly and demonstrates your professionalism. Include both practical and abstract questions to better gauge the candidate's attitude. Ask the candidate to provide specific examples of performance excellence and competence. Avoid asking questions that can be answered with a simple head nod or a one-word answer. Read over the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines to avoid asking illegal questions.
-
-
3
Begin the interview on time. Greet the candidate with a firm handshake and a pleasant smile. Ask the candidate to be seated as you take your position at your desk. Limit distractions by conducting the interview in a private, quiet location. Clear your schedule of appointments and other duties to give the candidate your undivided attention. Consider asking a colleague to take your phone calls to avoid unexpected interruptions.
-
4
Give a personal introduction and a brief overview of your organization. This helps settle the candidate and allows you a chance to demonstrate your competence. Hand out any relevant materials, which may include the job description and company policies. Allow the candidate time to read over these materials and to fill out any additional forms.
-
5
Maintain eye contact while asking the prepared questions. Speak to the candidate in a relaxed tone, taking note of his body language. Give the candidate time to think and respond before moving to additional questions. Keep notes on his responses. Keep an open mind while listening to the candidate and avoid rushing his responses.
-
6
Allow the candidate time to ask her questions. Answer the questions honestly and openly, remembering that you're a direct representative of your company. Take a pause when needed to avoid giving out false or harmful information. Take note of the questions you're asked to help assess the candidate's preparation and reasoning skills.
-
7
Close the interview with a handshake and concrete follow-up instructions. Thank the candidate for his time before ending the meeting. Avoid making promises you might not be able to fulfill. This includes guarantees of final employment decision dates.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Vary your abstract questions to become a dynamic interviewer. Think of each interview as your opportunity to make a lasting positive impression on behalf of your organization.
Although you may make a personal connection with a candidate, she may not be the best person for the job. Avoid basing employment decisions on personal details.
