It's vital you hire the best talent to help your business grow. And when it comes to job interviews, it's important you represent your company as best as possible.
A job interview is your first interaction with a potential candidate. So you need to ensure you make a positive first impression and explain the role clearly. Otherwise, you could lose out on the best candidates.
In this guide, we'll explain how to improve your job interviewing skills, how to conduct an effective job interview and what to avoid.
What is a job interview?
A job interview is a conversation between an employer and a potential employee. The conversation's purpose is to work out whether the position is the right fit for the interviewee.
An interview typically takes place when a jobseeker applies to an employer's job posting. The employer will then invite job candidates to interview if their application impresses them.
During the interview, the employer or hiring managers will describe what the job entails. As well as asking the applicant questions relating to their experience.
How long does a job interview last?
The interview process usually takes between a half-hour and an hour. However, this depends on the type of interview taking place.
What is the purpose of a job interview?
There are many reasons why a job interview is an effective part of the hiring process. For both the employer and the interviewee.
These reasons include:
- The employer can find out more about a candidate's background.
- The employer can compare candidates and work out which one is best for the role.
- Both the employer and interviewee can ask and answer any relevant questions.
Let's explore these reasons in more detail.
Find out more about a candidate's work history
A job interview is the perfect place to find out more about a candidate's work history. This can help you figure out if the open role relates to their work experience.
For example, an applicant may go into more detail about their present core duties in the interview. And you can see if they closely match your advertised job's responsibilities.
Compare candidates
You can also compare candidates from their job interview performance. This will give you an idea of which applicant performs best in a professional setting.
For example, an applicant's job application may have impressed you. But in person, they may be entirely different. Whereas another applicant may have given a good impression whilst confidently answering your questions, despite having less work experience.
Ask and answer questions
An interview gives you the opportunity to ask and answer questions. This means you can find out more about the applicant. And the applicant can find out more about you and the business as a whole.
How should an employer prepare for an interview?
You should always prepare before conducting an interview. And there are several things you need to consider before you start.
As an employer you should:
- Determine what skills and experience they need: You should establish what skills you're looking for in an employee, as well as what experience they need. It's important to relate this back to the job description, as this will ensure the applicant knows what the role involves.
- Produce a range of questions: You should include a variety of questions to ask the applicant. This includes opening with more general questions about themselves to put them at ease. And then moving on to behavioural questions that will assess the candidate's skills against the skills specifically related to your job posting.
- Prepare for any questions: You should prepare for any questions an interviewee may ask at the end of the interview. Consequently, you should ensure you know the basics of what your business can offer. For example, details of their salary, benefits and pension scheme.
What does the interview process involve?
The interview or hiring process typically involves a number of actions. These actions range from initial greetings to applicant questions.
The actions include:
- A brief welcome and refreshments.
- Reviewing the job description.
- A variety of appropriate interview questions.
- Applicant questions.
If you prepare well, you will have a better understanding of the applicant when they come in. And you will present your business in the best possible way.
How to conduct a job interview step by step
It's important that you conduct an interview effectively to ensure you find the best candidate.
And there are a number of steps you can take to ensure an interview goes smoothly.
Applicant and employer introductions
Before the interview starts, you should ensure you've welcomed the applicant and made them feel comfortable.
This could include a brief tour of the workplace, as well as offering the applicant a drink. If you work in a collaborative environment, you might want to introduce them to other employees. This can give you an idea of how they interact with others.
You should also ensure you have provided an overview of the company as a whole. This includes the business’s history and the company culture.
Explain the responsibilities of the position
It's important to review the applicant's job application before the interview. This is to ensure the job details match the applicant's experience in their past or current job role.
During the interview, you may also ask if the candidate feels that they could perform these responsibilities to the best of their ability. Their answer will give you an idea of whether they're the ideal candidate.
Go through the candidate's CV
You can gain insight into a candidate's work and education history through the candidate's resume or CV. This includes details of their last job and important information such as their qualifications.
You also have the opportunity to ask for clarity on specific positions. For example, you may want to know the candidate's reasons for only being in their previous role for a short time.
Ask general and situational questions
You should start the interview with some general questions about the candidate's background. As this will help you understand their personality, and if they would work well at your business.
You should also ask the candidate situational questions. These types of questions assess how well an applicant may work in a hypothetical situation. For example, how they may deal with an angry customer or client.
Give candidates a chance to ask questions
Once you have asked all your questions, you should then allow the applicant to ask follow-up questions. This gives them a chance to find out more about the company, the role, and the recruitment process.
You should then thank the candidate and tell them when you'll be in touch. Or at least, the latest time you will decide the final outcome.
Get expert advice from Peninsula UK
As an employer, it's important you conduct an effective interview.
Interviews are an important part of the recruitment process. As it’s a chance to get to know the applicant more, as well as offering them a better representation of your business.
If you don’t properly prepare to conduct an interview, you could miss out on the best hires and misrepresent yourself as an employer. However, if you put an effective interview procedure in place, you could find some great candidates and ultimately grow your business.
Peninsula offers you expert 24/7 HR advice and support, advising you on the best interview policies and practices. Contact us on 0800 028 2420.
