Sunday, July 27, 2008

Conducting a Successful Job Interview.

By Ray James

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 organization.

Conducting a job interview is not easy for a first time interviewer. The main quality needed to conduct an interview is self confidence. You must appear welcoming yet authoritative, as your attitude and the first impression you give will influence the attitude of the candidate. Employers can quite often become nervous whilst conducting a job interview. Ensure that you stay on task and that the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Greet each candidate warmly and give a firm handshake as this will be of a great assistance in creating the atmosphere you want.

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.

After these general questions, take a minute or two for a break and chat with the candidate. This will assist both interviewer and candidate and will add to the harmonious atmosphere. The next level of questions will give you information about the skill level of the candidate and how it will be applied in the particular job. The questions you ask must highlight the candidate?s talent and expertise. You must be sure to note down every point you observe, so that you can use them to make the final decision. Some examples of the important questions in this level are, "What do you look in for a job?", "Why should we choose you?", "What can you perform for the company that some one else is not able to?" 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, behavior 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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