(Tip 1 of 15)
Prepare the room - no interruptions (phone off!), biscuits and coffee to make the candidate feel welcome (they are interviewing YOU as well you know!), nothing else on the table, and a non-confrontational, informal seating plan.
(Tip 2 of 15)
Prepare your questions - you need at least three opening questions which are open, not closed, for example "tell me about your current job role"
(Tip 3 of 15)
Think about the features that you are looking for, and then what questions you can ask in order to probe for these features
(Tip 4 of 15)
What are the must-haves and the nice-to-haves? Write these down, in two columns, so you are really clear in your mind what you're after.
(Tip 5 of 15)
Think about team fit - what are the role gaps in your team that need filling (e.g. ideas person, evaluator, pushy shaper, caring team worker, organiser)
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(Tip 6 of 15)
Look at their CV before the interview and memorise a couple of facts about them so that you look as if you are well prepared, and therefore that you care
(Tip 7 of 15)
Check the CV for anything odd or suspicious or interesting that you want to probe in more detail
(Tip 8 of 15)
Get someone else to come to at least part of the interview, for a second opinion. This could be done in an informal way - they could collect the person from reception, or do the 'routine bits' about health and references.
(Tip 9 of 15)
Think about whether you can get them to do an actual sample work job during the interview, e.g. type something, design something, calculate something, or do something on a computer. This is the best test of ability!
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(Tip 10 of 15)
If in doubt at the CV stage, DO interview them. If in doubt at the interview, DON’T employ them.
(Tip 11 of 15)
If in doubt at the CV stage, DO interview them. If in doubt at the interview, DON’T employ them.
(Tip 12 of 15)
Tell them that the interview will only be 15 minutes, so that it's easy to get rid of them if they are awful. You can always go on for longer if they are looking like a possible.
(Tip 13 of 15)
Remember that you are selling the company when you interview, so be nice, even if you are asking tough questions. Ideally you'd get them relaxed and chatting and telling stories about themselves, because that's when you get to see the real them.
(Tip 14 of 15)
Tell them about the company and the job last, not first. Then you don't have to waste the time if they are not up to it, and also you send the signal that THEY are the most important thing.
(Tip 15 of 15)
Prepare reception so that everyone is expecting them and they feel valued and the company looks efficient.
