How can I, as an Employer, conduct an effective interview?

I've been in interview processes where I was left feeling awful and to be honest with you, it really knocked my confidence. I knew I could do the job but I just wasn't the best at the interview process itself, especially when it was in front of a panel. If you want to get the best out of someone within a short space of time, it's about pulling back the layers of that person to really understand their gifts and their gaps and how that could fit into the team and culture you have created or are creating. 

 To do this in a way that brings someone's authentic self in front of you, you need to make sure that you create an environment and space that allows them to do this which includes thinking about the kind of questions you could ask to encourage truth and connection on an equal level plane. 

You will be surprised at how much more effective this approach is in allowing you to unearth some useful information (for or against this person) whilst leaving a positive impression on the person you are meeting.

Essentially this allows the person to feel more comfortable, open, and very importantly, honest throughout the process. 

As soon as you start firing closed questions that feel like an interrogation and make the person feel as though they have to be on guard all you will see is someone in a defense mode and in a lot of cases people hide things and really this creates a rift and separation between you and the person you are trying to potentially bring on board.

Although this could be helpful in certain environments nowadays when this happens, you lose the person's interest in working for you! 

Here are some key tips for conducting effective interviews:

Prepare Thoroughly: Before the interview, thoroughly research the position, the company, and the interviewee's background. This will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate your understanding of their qualifications.

Establish Rapport: Create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere to put the interviewee at ease. Maintain eye contact, smile, and engage in small talk to break the ice.

Ask Open-ended Questions: Instead of asking questions with simple yes/no answers, pose open-ended questions that encourage elaboration and storytelling. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of their skills, experience, and personality.

Listen Actively: Pay close attention to the interviewee's responses and ask follow-up questions to clarify their points. Active listening demonstrates your engagement and interest in their insights.

Evaluate Non-verbal Cues: While words are important, non-verbal cues can also reveal a lot about the interviewee's confidence, engagement, and overall demeanor. Observe their body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions.

Maintain Fairness: Treat all interviewees with equal respect and avoid making discriminatory or biased remarks. Ensure the interview process is impartial and focused on evaluating their qualifications.

Provide Clear Feedback: After the interview, provide timely and constructive feedback to the interviewee. This helps them understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

Remember, interviews are not just about assessing candidates; they're also an opportunity to showcase your company's culture and values. By conducting interviews with empathy, professionalism, and respect, you can attract top talent and build a strong reputation as an employer.

Exact Sourcing is a recruitment agency in Cambridge and Newmarket, and we also serve Ely, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Royston and Sawston. If you’re looking to make your next move, please contact us for an initial discussion.  Tel:  01223 919409

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