Interviewing involves more than just asking questions; it's about understanding a candidate's skills, cultural fit, and potential.
Be Human: Break the Ice
Start the interview on a friendly note:
- Engage in Casual Conversation: Talk naturally to put the candidate at ease.
- Initial Questions: Ask what attracted them to the role, invite them to share their career highlights, challenges, and what values they bring to a company.
- Explore Motivations: Understand what draws them to your company and the specific role.
1. Define the Role Clearly
Make sure your team clearly understands the role's responsibilities and the qualities needed in a successful candidate.
- Tip: Develop a checklist of essential skills, experiences, and attributes for the role to evaluate candidates consistently.
2. Situational and Behavioral Questions
- Past Experiences: Ask candidates to describe how they've handled past challenges, e.g., "Can you describe a time when you resolved a challenging problem at work?"
- Hypothetical Scenarios: Probe their problem-solving skills with scenarios relevant to the role, such as, "What would you do if faced with [specific challenge] in this role?"
3. Use the STAR Method for Responses
Utilise the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to assess answers effectively:
- Situation: Where and when did they perform a task?
- Task: What was their role?
- Action: What steps did they take?
- Result: What outcomes resulted from their actions? This method helps gauge how candidates tackle real-world problems and fit the role.
4. Include a Panel for Broader Perspectives
Panel interviews can provide diverse insights, especially for roles requiring cross-departmental collaboration.
- Tip: Keep the panel small, about three or four members, to maintain focus and not overwhelm the candidate.
5. Assess Cultural Fit and Values
Cultural fit is crucial for long-term employee retention and satisfaction.
- Cultural Questions: Ask about the type of work environment they thrive in and how they manage team collaborations to gauge alignment with your company's culture.
Need further guidance on refining your interview techniques? Contact Anteo for expert assistance in developing a best-in-class recruitment strategy.
