The Interviewer's Perspective: Conducting and Effective Interview

Whether we are experienced employees in our field or on our way to finding a career, we all have participated in the interview process in which we have had the opportunity to show potential employers the necessary qualities we could bring to the job we are applying for. No matter what qualifications we possess, potential employers have the ability to choose the best traits that they feel are necessary for the company and its needs. However, how is an employer able to determine these traits? In response to this question, today's posting will not only be able to assist employers in conducting an efficient interview, but will also assist potential job candidates in knowing what interviewers look for in candidates.

1) What qualities are you looking for?

Before you begin the interview process, determine the characteristics you would like to see in your employees. These traits may include: level of education, specialized skills, and behavioral attributes. In order to determine these characteristics, you may want to examine your current employees and determine what their best qualities may be, and how they contribute to the company and its functions

2) Review resumes carefully.

Make sure that you know the qualifications of each applicant before the interviewing takes place. It is important for you as the interviewer to set an impression of professionalism and organization when interviewing candidates.

3). Have interview questions ready in advance

Try to keep all questions you may ask open ended in order to avoid candidates giving you an answer that you expect of them to answer. Ask more questions that are behaviorally based. In other words, it is important that you ask questions that require a candidate to recall of specific situations in which they had to use specific behaviors. It may be easier for you as a potential employer to ask questions that pertain to the job the candidate is applying for, and how their behavior may help them to respond to the situation. Most importantly, focus interview questions on job experience, skills, education, and achievement. However, avoid questions that may be inappropriate for the situation, or may be illegal for hiring.

4). Have an evolution form

Prepare an evaluation for that includes all of the questions you plan to ask during the interview. Using a similar interview format will allow you to better compare multiple candidates.

5) Remember listening skills

Have control of the nonverbal cues you may give during the interview. Make sure that you are taking good notes during the interview to remember the qualities of each candidate in order to assist you in your decision-making at the end of the interview process. Remember to ask the interviewee if they have any questions at the end of the interview.

6). Examine the candidate's technical skills, experience, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.

Examine the body language and comfort level of each candidate in order to determine interpersonal skills. Also, it is important to analyze the candidates ability to answer difficult questions; if their is a contradiction in the candidate's answer to a question, ask about their contradiction and examine their reaction.

 7.) End your interview allowing your candidate to know your expectations
Let the candidate know when you expect to make your decision, and how they will be contacted. Make sure to thank the candidate.


 No matter if we are an experienced interviewer or job candidate, everyone has had the opportunity to pass through the interviewing process.  However, despite who we are in the interviewing process, it is imperative that we exhibit the utmost sense of professionalism and organization when working with each other in a team-oriented atmosphere. If you have any further questions in response to this article, please feel free to comment below, or visit http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com where the content of today's post was referenced from. If you have any further suggestions for future post material, please feel free to comment in the box below.


Keys to Conducting an Interview. n.d. Retrieved from http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com/employer/employer-research-resource-center-hr-ti