10 Things I Know About... Interviewing job candidates
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10. Phone interview first
Have a handful of questions you can ask over the phone before the candidate comes in. This can weed out a few candidates before you spend precious time in an interview setting.
9. Don't "wing it."
Prepare a written list of questions. This lets you listen, and not think about what questions you should ask next.
8. Ask everyone the same questions.
This allows you some type of way to compare candidates.
7. Be practical.
If possible, ask each candidate to complete a short, practical exercise during the interview. You can learn a lot about their attitude, flexibility and ability to think on their feet.
6. You must sell.
Be upbeat, positive, and excited about your position and company. Candidates are also evaluating you and your organization.
5. No surprises
Provide the candidate full disclosure of the position and expectations. Not telling the candidate the dirty little tasks that are expected will create disgruntled employees.
4. How's the fit?
As you evaluate the candidate, ask yourself how he or she will interact with the rest of your team. Might this candidate be a potential disruption?
3. Listen.
Pay attention to what's being said. I mean really listen. Sometimes you get excited with the fact that you may finally fill an open position. But a bad hire will cost your company time, money and possibly clients.
2. Take the candidate to lunch.
For a second or third interview, take the candidate out for lunch and have a more relaxed conversation. Pay attention to how they treat the wait staff and how they react when the check arrives.
1. The 'thank you'
My rule of thumb is simple: No thank you, no invite back. Sometimes it can be heartbreaking when a sharp candidate doesn't send or offer a thank you, but this rule never fails. Is that how you want your potential employee to treat your clients?
Gregory C. Smith is owner of Interview Tutor, of Worcester, an interview prep firm for job-seekers who want to improve their interviewing and job-hunting skills.
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