HR Update: How to get the most out of an interview
Friday, July 6, 2012
Conducting an interview successfully is key to ensuring that you employ the right person for the job. To make it less of a daunting task there are a few simple steps you can take, says Jacqui Mann, managing director of HR4Nurseries (www.HR4nurseries.co.uk)
The first thing to think about is where the interview will take place. Make sure that you will be in a room where you will not be interrupted.
It is important to prepare for the interviews in advance - a few minutes preparation can help you feel more in control of the process.
Read through the candidate's CV/application form and make notes about any areas you would like to cover in the interview. This may be relevant training or it could be job changes or reasons for leaving. particularly if they have been frequent, and check for any gaps in employment.
THE INTERVIEW
Be friendly and informal but professional. A relaxed approach makes the candidate open up and tell you all sorts of information, good and bad.
Information
Explain what they will be doing, terms and conditions of employment, the hours of work and holidays. Be aware that what is said during an interview or contained in an advertisement may be relied on later if a dispute arises over contractual terms. You may also decide to show them round the nursery.
Interview structure
Explain the purpose of the interview is asking questions about the information on their CV/application form and to find out more about their skills and abilities.
- Advise the candidate that you will be taking notes and there will be a chance to ask questions.
- Ensure that each individual is given the same amount of time and that similar questions are asked of each one.
RECRUITMENT GUIDE
Start with their present job first then work chronologically through the previous jobs. Ask questions that require the applicant to draw on their experience and explain how they have 'behaved' in the past
Ask questions such as:
- Tell me about a time when...
- Give me an example of...
- Explain what you did when...
In the answer the candidate needs to:
- Explain the situation/task they were in or had to perform.
- Explain the action they took to solve the problem, be it good or bad; the consequences of their action; whether they would do the same again or what they would change.
When you have completed the interview, thank them for attending and explain when and how they will hear from you next.
