Sunday, July 27, 2008

Conducting an Interview.

By Ray James

Conducting a job interview is a most important responsibility for any manager or supervisor. Using their judgment and skill to choose the best person for the job, they ensure the future of the organization.

Conducting a job interview is not an easy task for first time interviewers. The main attribute needed to conduct a successful interview is self confidence. You must be seen to be approachable as this will have an effect on how the candidate performs. Potential employers, as well as the candidate, can quite often get nervous during a job interview. Be specific and make every effort to create a non-threatening atmosphere. Greet the candidate appropriately and give a firm hand shake. This will go a long way towards creating a friendly atmosphere and putting the candidate at ease.

When you are ready to start an interview, meet the candidate and greet him/her warmly. Thank the applicant for taking the time to attend the interview. Appropriate eye contact is very important as it will make your task more pleasant. Ask the candidate to have a seat. This will reduce any tension and will allow you to begin the interview positively. Being sure to ask the right kind of questions at the appropriate time plays a very important role while conducting a job interview. Ask the questions as they increase in order of importance. Begin with more general questions such as asking for personal details, why the candidate has chosen your company etc. Always wait patiently and listen attentively to the answers from the candidate. You will be able to think of the next question whilst the previous one is being answered, unless you have a list of prepared questions. Take your own time and plan your questions well.

After the initial general questions take a short break and have an informal chat with the candidate before starting with the next series of questions. This will create a more relaxed atmosphere and will assist the candidate in answering the questions as best they can. This next level of questions includes those which tell you how much skill and talent a person has and whether they are right for the job. From these questions you will be able to highlight the applicant?s talent and expertise. Be sure to note down every point you observe, as it will benefit you when you are making the final decision. Some of the important questions asked in this section are those that are asking the candidate what they are looking for in a job, why they should be considered for the position, what can you offer over another candidate etc.

It is extremely difficult to choose between candidates for a position, especially when there are a number of equally qualified people. You must be prepared to judge and ask the appropriate questions to ensure that you obtain the right person for the job. It is quite appropriate to ask questions related to previous work experiences, how they have related to colleagues, management style, what the candidate is looking to achieve in a job, to ascertain whether the candidate is a team player.

Conclude the interview positively with a friendly thank you and handshake. Allow yourself a few minutes before commencing the next interview. This will help you make the right decision. If you rush and make the wrong choice it may be a concern for the company.

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