Employees are the backbone of any successful business. However, it can be tricky finding the right people to fill positions. Whether the candidates aren’t qualified or the company’s hiring strategy needs a little tweaking, the interview process can require a bit of navigating. Continue reading to learn interview strategies to help you pick the perfect new hire.
Train Yourself
Before conducting interviews, it’s important that you understand how to go about it. Granted, anyone can give an interview and hire an applicant on the spot, but a bit of preparation and legwork can help ensure you’re making the right choice. Without the proper training and experience, one of two things can happen; you won’t hire anyone or you’ll hire someone who isn’t qualified for the job. Before starting the interview process, prepare your list of must-haves, the things you’re flexible about, and a list of questions that can narrow down the candidates. Don’t just wing the interview—be prepared ahead of time to not waste your time or the applicants.
Prepare a List of Questions
One of the most common mistakes that businesses make is not having a proper plan, and more specifically, not having a set list of questions to ask. Although some businesses do tend to ask what they feel is most important for the position they are trying to fill, having a list of creative questions can give you a sense of organization and make the process easier.
Hands-On
A great way to find the perfect employee is to have them do an activity that’s based on the job they’re applying for. This will help you determine whether or not they’re a good fit for your company, and it allows you to measure their efficiency. You can test an interviewee with a game of 20 questions to get an assessment of their cognitive abilities. However, keep in mind that a game of 20 questions will not be as comprehensive as a traditional pre-employment screening.
Let Them Do the Talking
As you and the potential candidate begin the interview, it’s important that you make them feel comfortable. You can do this by asking the basic questions. Afterward, let the applicant do some of the talking, and allow them time to ask their own questions about your organization. An important tip to remember is to wait until the end of the interview to give a summary of your company.
Keep Your Eyes on the Clock
Before conducting any interview, you need to determine how long each interview should last. Your best bet is to keep the interview short and as informative as possible. Like you, candidates may start to feel on edge if the interview lasts longer than necessary.
Picking the perfect hire can be rewarding on many levels, so take the time to prepare in advance. Making sure you’re engaged in the process before and during the interview is essential. With a little due diligence and strategic planning, you can create a team that surpasses your expectations.
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