Interview Techniques 

Factors:  
We are now working in a very candidate driven market – so it is essential to hold great interviews to allow you the choice of the best candidates.  There is nothing as disappointing as a candidate that you thought was A1 turning your job offer down for one from your competitor!  This is a brief overview and checklist of hints on how to run a successful interview.

Preparation:   To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail!
It is essential that you are prepared before meeting the interviewees – to give them the very best impression of you, your company and to ensure they leave without reservation that you are the best employer for them!

• Organise your interview room - Ensure clean & tidy and booked.
• Advise reception - first impressions count.
• Planning diary - allow time between interviews to write up notes and take a refresher before the next, allows clear thinking.
• Reviewing CV/Application - before the candidate arrives!  Highlighting question areas.
• Prepare questions.
• Consider your own personal presentation. (Ask yourself would you want to work for you?)

First Impressions:

• What people see  - 55%
• What people hear  - 38%
• The words they use  - 7%

Body Language:

• Posture - Sit straight and comfortable.
• Body Position.
• Gestures - strong hand shake, positive.
• Eye Contact  - good clear and open.
• Facial Expressions  - warm/friendly (even if you are having a bad day!)
• Body Movements - Controlled, no fidgeting or looking bored!

Questions:  There are types of questions that help and others that hinder!

• Open Questions  -  Start with What, When, Where, Who, How, Why?
• Closed Questions  - Start with Do, Did, Would,  - to prompt Yes/No answers.
• Probing Questions  - Tell me more about that....
• Summary Questions.
• Competency Questions  - See info below.