Interviewing tips and tricks

A big part of the hiring process is interviewing potential employees. There are several different interviewing methods used by employers, some are more structured and scientific while others are not. But whatever method is used, interviewing is not only a big part of the hiring process but a crucial part as well. And you want to hire the best possible person for the job and your company right from the start.

There are a few things that should be done before interviewing a potential employee. These preparations will help you to conduct an effective interview and will also help you to choose the best candidate.

Begin by reviewing their resume. Look for time spent on a job. Several short term employers could mean lack of commitment or other issues. Of course, there may be other reasons for this. You will want to be sure to ask the candidate during the interview. It is best to have a note pad handy to write down questions you want to ask during the interview.
Also look for gaps in employment. Long periods of time could mean several things such as time off to further their education or it may even indicate a criminal background. If there are gaps in employment, be sure to add it to the list of questions you would like answered. Keep an eye out for overlapping dates of employment. It may just be a simple error but also might indicate they are not being truthful about previous employers. You will want to ask the candidate to explain it and be sure to call the previous employers to verify the dates of employment.
When reviewing a potential employee's resume, it is a good idea to have a copy of the job description. This will help you to focus on the skills and previous experience needed to fill the position.

After reviewing an applicant's resume, it is time to schedule an interview. If you are hiring for a phone position, this is an ideal time pay attention to how the candidate sounds on the phone. If they do not sound pleasing on the phone to you, they won't make a good impression on customers either.
When the candidate arrives for the interview, begin by introducing yourself. First impressions can be a vital factor in making a decision whether or not to hire someone. During the interview, you will want to ask the candidate to answer some of the questions you have or to explain any discrepancies that may have been found. You will want to ask questions that require more than just a yes or no answer. Throughout the interview, ask yourself if you can see this person working for your company. If the candidate has all the qualifications but you just don't feel they are the right person for the job, go with your instincts. Use your best judgment. If you find that you are not sure, you can schedule a second interview.
Keep in mind, interviews are not the best way to test job skills. Those types of qualifications should be measured by performance tests. These types of tests are often content specific in the area of interest. An interview can help you evaluate a candidate's self confidence, social skills, sense of humor, and persuasiveness and much more.

Once you have found the best possible person for the job, work hard at keeping them. Try to be flexible. If possible, let employees dress casually. Also, let them decide when they want to eat lunch and when they want to take a break. Be flexible on scheduling as well. Show your employees you respect them and the work they do.