Finding the right candidate for the position is a lengthy process and can take up a lot of time, and there are, after all, only twenty-four hours in a day. We’ve compiled a list of seven tips that will make your interview process flow smoother and might even give you a little extra time to spare.
Tip #1: Be prepared.
It is so essential for your sake, your candidate’s sake, (and the sake of your mental health), to be prepared for the interview process. Here are a few ways to prepare.
- Have detailed qualifications. – You should know exactly what position you are looking to fill and the qualifications of someone you need to do those skills. Be clear in the job description of exactly what you need for the position. Make a list of everything that is required!
- Create a checklist for the interview process. – A checklist is such a great tool to use when assessing candidates. You have a list of everything you are looking for, and when a candidate meets those things on the list, just check it off! How nice and organized of you.
- Know all the job details like you know your own name. A well-qualified candidate will ask questions about the job. When they do, you really should have an answer for them.
Tip #2: Be aware of interview bias and quick judgments.
Interview bias is essentially favoring candidates based on the preconceived ideas you hold, whether knowingly or unknowingly, towards the candidate’s race, looks, living location, gender, or any other external qualities.
As humans, it’s part of our nature to hold certain biases and preconceived notions towards others. For example, you might like a person before interacting with them because they went to the same college as you. The key to understanding interview bias is first understanding it exists and it’s natural.
A way to mitigate interview bias is to have a consistent interview process and the same list of must-have qualifications for each candidate.
Tip #3: Ask the right questions and be clear in your qualifications.
If humor is your go-to, you may feel the need to throw in some funny questions. Stop, don’t do it! You could end up making your interviewee feel uncomfortable and waste valuable time. Interview questions need to be taken seriously and should be appropriate for the job position. Check out this list of common interview questions on Monster.com.
A great job interview will allow the candidate to feel comfortable chatting with you, and it won’t feel scripted. Allow the conversation to flow and be sure your questions are straightforward and that your candidate fully understands your expectations of the job position.
If there is a second interview, make sure your questions are more in-depth and are geared towards your specific interviewee. Here’s a great list of second interview questions to ask if you’re running low on ideas.
Be clear in your questions when it comes to their qualifications for the job.
Tip #4: Make your candidate feel comfortable.
People are much more likely to show off their skills when they feel comfortable. Allow your interview space to be a calm and low-stress zone to combat the high-stress feelings that inherently comes from the interview process.
By putting your candidate at ease, you’ll be able to see what they look like in a less nervous sense – which is the person you’ll be working alongside every day. Offer them a glass of water, introduce yourself and greet them openly, and save the tough questions for the end.
Be friendly and approachable; this allows your candidate to feel as though you are super happy and excited they are here. They will open up, and soon the conversation will just feel effortless.
Tip #5: Be consistent.
As they say, consistency is key.
For every candidate, you should plan to conduct your interview in the exact same way, look for the same qualifications, ask the same questions, and stay on track with what you need from the job position.
It’s easy to get derailed in conversation; I do it with myself in my head all the time! The important thing is to remain consistent throughout the process. If you get off track during one question, take a look at your checklist and make sure you are checking for those qualifications. It’s okay to catch yourself and let your interviewee know that you are enjoying this conversation so much you’ve gotten off track and bring your attention back to the necessary questions.
Allow for consistency throughout the interview process. Take the same amount of time to review each application at the beginning of the process. Follow up with interviewees in a timely and consistent manner.
It might be helpful to make a schedule of time blocks as far as reviewing applications and follow-ups. That way, you hold yourself accountable for consistency.
#6: Allow your candidate to ask questions.
Quality candidates will assess the job position just as much as you are assessing them for the role. Allow time for them to ask questions about the position, and if they seem nervous or have no questions, it does not necessarily mean they are wrong for the position. Simply ask them to put any questions they think of later in a follow-up email and be willing to answer that email!
You could ask if they have any questions about the job position, what is required, or anything else at all.
#7: Follow up with your candidate.
Always follow up with every single candidate you’ve interviewed. Follow up quickly with those you want to take to the next level in the process, so they can prepare and know you are interested. Otherwise, they might move on to another opportunity.
Let candidates who are not moving on know why they were not chosen and thank them for interviewing.
Let your candidate know immediately when you decide to hire them and give them a time frame to accept or decline the position. If the time frame is too short, they might feel overwhelmed and pressured to either accept or decline. If the time frame is too long, you could lose potential other candidates. Only you will be able to determine the most appropriate time frame for what suits your company and your potential new employee.
As tough as it is, the interviewing process is something that has to be done. Save yourself time by preparing, remaining consistent, and following up.