How to Conduct a Job Interview

by: RayJames
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Word Count: 682

Giving a job interview is one of the most crucial tasks managers or supervisors can perform. An interviewer?s judgment and skill to extract the best from each candidate can be influential in ensuring the best future for the organisation. Giving a job interview is not easy task for first time interviewers. The main quality needed to conduct a good interview is self confidence. You must be seen to be approachable yet in authority. The interviewer?s attitude and the first impression they give the candidate will affect the candidate?s performance. It is natural for employers as well as the candidate to be nervous during a job interview. Ensure that you stay on the topic and create a welcoming atmosphere. A warm greeting and firm handshake will do much to create this atmosphere.

When you are ready to start the interview, greet the candidate personally, shaking hands and thanking them for taking the time to visit your office for the interview. Making and maintaining good, appropriate eye contact is very important as it will assist in making the task easier. Then direct the candidate to a seat. This will assist in reducing any tension and will allow you to positively interact with the candidate throughout the session. Knowing when it is the right time to ask certain kinds of questions plays a very important role while conducting a job interview. You should ask the questions in increasing order of importance. Begin with general questions such as personal questions, why they have applied for this position etc. At all times listen attentively to the candidate?s answers. Take your own time and plan your questions well ? a series of questions prepared in advance will be of assistance.

After these initial general questions, take a minute?s break and have an informal chat with the candidate. This will create an atmosphere that is welcoming and will ultimately obtain the best response from the candidate. The next level of questioning is concerned with questions that give you information about the level of skill, talent and expertise the candidate may have, so the questions must be framed so that they highlight these attributes. You should take observation notes, as these will be of benefit to you when making the final decision. Some examples of this level of questioning relate to what the candidate is searching for in a job, why they are the best person for the job, what the candidate do for the company that some one else cannot etc.

After the initial general questions take a short break and have an informal chat with the candidate before starting with the next series of questions. This will create a more relaxed atmosphere and will assist the candidate in answering the questions as best they can. This next level of questions include those which tell you how much skill and talent a person has and whether they are right for the job. From these questions you will be able to highlight the applicant?s talent and expertise. Be sure to note down every point you observe, as it will benefit you when you are making the final decision. Some of the important questions asked in this section are those that are asking the candidate what they are looking for in a job, why they should be considered for the position, what can you offer over another candidate etc.

Deciding whether a candidate is best suited for a particular job or choosing among equally qualified candidates, is a difficult task. You must be able to judge and ask appropriate questions so that will give you the necessary information to help you with the decision making. You may choose to ask questions related to the candidate?s previous experiences, behaviour and relationships with co-workers, management style, what they are looking for in a job, and their suitability as a team member. Conclude the interview positively with a friendly thank you and handshake. Allow yourself a few minutes before commencing the next interview. This will help you make the right decision. If you rush and make the wrong choice it may be a concern for the company.

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