We find that most of our clients have never received any formal training on how to interview candidates and identify the right person for the role, even though staff are invariably a company's greatest asset.
With this in mind, we have put together the following hints and tips that you should find useful as a guide to interviewing do's and dont's:
- Be prepared: make sure that you have read the candidate's CV, and have questions ready to ask so that the conversation can run freely from the start.
- Choose a format: some people take a more structured approach with set questions to be answered by each candidate, whereas others prefer to have an unstructured chat about the role, candidate CV and the company. Also, do you need to check a candidate's presentation skills, or set them a technical test?
- Let the conversation run naturally: this will help the candidate be more relaxed and you will discover what they are really like in the work environment.
- Discuss the role in detail: ask the candidate to tell you why they are suitable. This will show that they have done their research, that they understand the role, and can communicate with you in a clear and professional manner.
- Involve your staff: if the candidate will be working with a team of people, why not invite them to meet the candidate briefly and discuss the role. They may pick up on skills that you have missed and also eliminates bias.
- Win the candidate over: you have to sell your vacancy to the candidate as much as they need to promote their skills to you.
- Allow time for questions: this will help you identify the candidate's real motivators for choosing your role, and reveal their ability to think for themselves.
For independent advice on interviews
click here to visit the Acas website.
To speak with one of our specialist consultants, call +44 (0)118 959 2002.
