The Best Interview Techniques
The job interview is a key step in the hiring process. Whether the interview takes place in person or by telephone, there are certain techniques the interviewer and interviewee should follow to improve the meeting. The techniques support the obvious, but often ignored, fact that the interview is not just a casual conversation where each side gains an impression of the other. The interview is the setting for serious evaluation on both sides.
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Preparation
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The interviewer will better understand the elements of the job by speaking in advance with staff members who hold the same position. The interviewer should prepare questions relevant to the job, and ask each applicant the same questions. The interviewee should prepare by researching the company and preparing several questions to inject into the conversation, if possible. The research could include major news topics that involve the company -- for example, an announcement about a significant acquisition. The interviewee should bring extra copies of her resume and the names and contact information of references.
Job Requirements
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The interviewer must be clear about the knowledge and the qualities for success that relate to the job. If qualification for the job depends on special education or certification, the interviewer must be aware of the requirement. If the interviewee does not have detailed information about job requirements -- if, for example, the requirements were not publicized -- he can still try to imagine what the required knowledge and qualities might be, and work those points into the conversation.
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Structure
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If a large number of people are applying for a job, the best and fairest way to conduct interviews is by following a structured format. When each interviewee is responding to the same questions, it becomes easier to rank the various responses. Interviewers should use behavioral questions that will help them judge an applicant's experience. An example would be to ask the applicant to talk about a certain kind of project she worked on. Situational questions help the interviewer evaluate an applicant's judgment. In such a case, the interviewer would concoct a scenario and ask the applicant how he would handle a certain role in it.
Follow-Up
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Interviewees should always send thank-you letters or emails to their interviewers. An effective technique is for the interviewee to include in this correspondence a summary of the valuable qualities that she would bring to the job.
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References
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