Interviewing--Are You Prepared?
There is an art to interviewing. As anyone that has had the pleasure of being involved in the hiring process will tell you, it is also one of the most challenging tasks put before a manager or supervisor. You are faced with making a very difficult decision, hiring your next employee. And unless you are fortunate enough to have someone referred to you through your network of peers, at some point in the hiring process you will find yourself face to face with an applicant.The interview process can really be broken down into:
Proper Prior Planning
As with credit and collections, pre-planning is very important in the interview process. As much as we would all like to think that our “gut” instincts would not lead us astray, relying on just those instincts have lead to many hiring mistakes. Taking the time to put your game plan together can make all the difference in allowing good decisions. At the very least take the following into account. Review and compare the resume with the application, and at minimum with the job description and identified core requirements of the position. Identify any spots or information from the resume or candidate’s background that you want clarification on. Know what you are looking for. Have you done enough homework about the position to know what you need to look for from the candidate?
Structure the Interview
It’s important to have structure to the interview. If there is no structure, it often results in a chaotic exchange of questions and answers, and you may not get the information you really need. In addition, you run the risk of turning the control of the conversation over to the candidate. Consider the following when putting your game plan together. Review the application and resume to determine areas of clarification. Again make sure that you have identified any red flags. Ask the same highly position-specific questions of each applicant, keeping a focus on the essential functions and important tasks of the position.
The Exchange of Information
You are now face to face with each other. This first meeting is really a two-way street. You as a prospective employer should expect the same treatment that you give. The interview is one of the most stressful conversations that both you the employer and the applicant can go through. Be sure to put the applicant at ease. Making the applicant comfortable and as relaxed as possible, will aid in having a good exchange of information. Greet the applicant using his/her full name, and introduce yourself. Avoid sitting behind a desk if at all possible, and meet in an area where you will not be interrupted. Warning – Do not give away information up front that will aid the applicant in answering your questions.
Guideline to Questioning
The interview should be an exchange of information that should enable you to answer the ultimate question: Which applicant is best suited for the position, for the department, and for the company. Keeping this in mind, you should structure your questions to ensure that you get as much information as possible. Therefore, avoid asking questions that can be answered “yes” or “no”. While some questions must be answered this way, and it will be necessary to use them, when possible try to restructure the question to elicit more information. As an example, “Have you had any experience with collecting past due debts?” instead ask “Tell me about your experience with collecting past due debts.” Avoid putting words in the applicant’s mouth, and always try and keep the questions focused on the applicant’s specific experiences, knowledge, and attitude.
Observation
Make a positive connection with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, engage the person you are speaking with. Leave your cell phone in the car! An interview is no place to chance having your phone ring…and worse yet those of you that would actually answer it! Be cautious of talking either too much or not enough. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don’t ramble. But make sure that you are fully answering the questions being asked of you.
Badmouthing Past Employers
Everyone in the company was a jerk? Your last boss was positively the worst? You hated your job and couldn’t wait to leave? Even if any or all of these statements were true, don’t say so. It’s a small world, and you never know who your interviewer might know. In addition to the fact that if this is the way you feel about a previous employer, and you aren’t afraid to voice that, what’s to say the same thing may not happen again? It’s always best to keep your answers to the point, factual, and never bring emotions into it.
Prepare Your References
If you give references to an organization that is interviewing you, make sure your references are aware of the situation first. Not only is this courteous, but it enables you to brief your referees on the organization that will contact them.
Send a 'Thank You' Note
In today's frenetically paced communication environment, it is easier than ever to forget to send a 'thank you' note to someone who has interviewed you. Don't forget. It may make the difference.
Solicit Feedback
By virtue of the law of numbers, you are almost certain to be rejected after some of your interviews. Don't take 'no' for an answer - ask why you got rejected. Although you may not always get a candid response, useful feedback will often come if you make a habit of asking.