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.

Giving a job interview is not an easy task for first time interviewers. The main quality needed to conduct a good interview is self confidence. You must be seen to be approachable yet in authority. The interviewer's attitude and the first impression they give the candidate will affect the candidate's performance. It is natural for employers as well as the candidate to be nervous during a job interview. Ensure that you stay on the topic and create a welcoming atmosphere. A warm greeting and firm handshake will do much to create this atmosphere.

When you are ready to start the interview, greet the candidate personally, shaking hands and thanking them for taking the time to visit your office for the interview. Making and maintaining good, appropriate eye contact is very important as it will assist in making the task easier. Then direct the candidate to a seat. This will assist in reducing any tension and will allow you to positively interact with the candidate throughout the session.

Knowing when it is the right time to ask certain kinds of questions plays a very important role while conducting a job interview. You should ask the questions in increasing order of importance. Begin with general questions such as personal questions, why they have applied for this position etc. At all times listen attentively to the candidate's answers. Take your own time and plan your questions well - a series of questions prepared in advance will be of assistance. After these initial general questions, take a minute's break and have an informal chat with the candidate. This will create an atmosphere that is welcoming and will ultimately obtain the best response from the candidate. The next level of questioning is concerned with questions that give you information about the level of skill, talent and expertise the candidate may have, so the questions must be framed so that they highlight these attributes. You should take observation notes, as these will be of benefit to you when making the final decision. Some examples of this level of questioning relate to what the candidate is searching for in a job, why they are the best person for the job, what the candidate do for the company that some one else cannot etc.

It is a most difficult task deciding which candidate is best suited for a position, especially when a number are suitably qualified. You must make your judgment based upon the appropriateness of the answers given. It is entirely appropriate to ask questions related to the candidate's previous job experiences, their relationship with co-workers, management style, what they are looking for in a job, whether they will be a team player or will be a disturbance.

Finish the interview as it was started, with a friendly thank you and a firm handshake. Then take a few minutes to reflect before commencing the next interview. Rushed interviews will lead to rushed decisions and if you make the wrong choice, it could be disastrous for the company.

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