Getting Prepared for a Job Interview – When You Are Doing the Hiring

Advice for the Interviewer – How to Find the Right Job Candidate

Just because you are the one doing the hiring and conducting the interview does not mean that you do not need to get prepared. Quite the contrary, it is very important for the interviewer to be prepared with multiple interview questions, alternative question possibilities, and be ready to answer questions too.

How to Get Prepared for the Interviewing Process:

• Have a Outline Set Up. This can set the path and tone for the interview and make sure you touch on all the points and questions you wanted to. Have the job details, company details, and answers to frequently asked questions prepared ahead of time.
• Prepare a list of questions. Have the questions you want to ask ready and have alternative questions to ask depending on different answers. Focus your questions on the job and the responsibilities that the employee will have once hired.
• Review the candidates’ resumes before they arrive. If possible, you should read through all of the candidates resumes before beginning the interview process so that you have a good idea of the scope of all the candidates you will see. Then review each person’s individual resume before their interview begins and have some specific questions or comments ready. This will also help you determine if someone just “looks good on paper” but in person is not as strong as they appeared from their resume.
• Give yourself enough time for each interview. If possible, do not schedule back to back interviews. Leave time for the possibility of an interview going over time.
• Be prepared to answer questions from each applicant. Remember to ask if they have questions for you. There is probably cause for concern if they do not have any questions.

Good Interviewing Habits:

• Maintain Eye Contact. Do not convey the wrong message. Your interviewee might get the wrong idea if your head is buried in your paperwork or hiding behind a computer screen.
• Be Aware of Body Language. Do not send the wrong message with your body language and take note of your interviewees body language because you can learn more than what they tell you from their body language. Practice your handshake, it may be an old tradition, but much is revealed in that short exchange.
• Make the Job Seeker Feel Comfortable. Smile and relax.Take into account that some people just do not interview well, it doesn’t mean they are not right for the job. Offer water or other beverages if your office supplies them.
• Be Enthusiastic. If you don’t love your company and what you do, then why should someone else want to work there?
• Remain Professional. There is a careful balance to maintain between being professional, but not too stern, and not too friendly.
• Follow Up With the Candidate. Even if you choose not to hire them, it is good form to call and/or write a note thanking them for their time. If your company allows, it is a good idea to tell them why they didn’t get the job. Perhaps you can help them do something better for their next job interview.

Avoid These Common Mistakes Interviewers Make:

• Talking Too Much. Allow the candidate you are interviewing to tell you about themselves and give them ample opportunity to impress you. Sure, it’s important to tell them about the job and the position, but too many details are unnecessary. Have a rehearsed statement about the open position and the company itself.
• Accepting General Answers. Do not let your perspective employee get away without telling you enough about them and their skills and job qualifications. Dig deeper into answers, ask for examples or definitions.
• Not Taking Notes. There is nothing wrong with taking notes during interviews. This is especially necessary if you have several interviews over a period of time. If laws permit, take a photo of them or copy their driver’s license to help you remember them. Even if you think you have a great memory, it is still a good idea to take notes and document the entire process.