Interview jitters aren’t just for the candidate, conducting a successful meeting can also be nerve-racking for the interviewer. As the person asking questions, there is pressure to inquire effectively and to choose the most fitting candidate for the position, void of any irrelevant bias. Coming prepared to an interview will not only ease your anxiety but will also help you get a clear understanding of the person seeking work in the Bay area. Here are a few ways to interview someone successfully.
Research the Candidate
It’s slightly creepy how much you can find out about a stranger through the internet. Chances are that your candidate has given you a resume and cover letter in response to your help wanted advertising in the Bay area. Take advantage of this before you bring them in to save time and know what questions to focus on. Researching their previous workplaces, calling their references, and performing a basic online search should help you to get an idea of who they are if they are a viable option for your company.
Think About What You Want
Think about the job position you are recruiting for. What qualities would a successful employee need to have to perform well? For example, if you are recruiting for employment in advertising in the Bay area, you may be looking for someone with exceptional communication skills, self-motivation, and who has a strong background working with tough clients. You might also note the office dynamics, maybe the workplace is on the small side and you are looking for someone who is easygoing and works well in a group.
Write Down Questions
Once you have a clear idea of the type of person you are looking to hire, write down questions to ask in order to get the answers you need. You may have to get a little creative, as asking a question such as, “do you get along with others” is most-likely going to get you a “yes” response. Instead, opt for open-ended questions such as, “Tell me about a workplace conflict you have faced and how you resolved it”. The answer you receive will be much more in-depth and give you an idea of the person’s personality and conflict resolution process.
Schedule Time in for Candidate’s Questions
At the end of the interview, ask the candidate if they have any questions for you. This is a good time to hear a little about what they are looking for in advertising employment and if you both are on the same page.
With a little preparation, interviewing someone for employment can be a fun and worthwhile meeting. Asking the right questions will help you and your company save time and money on a future hire.
