Interviewing Tips and Warnings
1. The interview will only be effective if you are properly prepared. Here are a few tips to help you along:
2. Start by creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere so your applicant will be comfortable.
3. Have a list of questions ready to make the interview process fair to all job candidates.
4. Allow plenty of time for the applicant to fully answer the questions.
5. Begin your interview with open questions that will encourage your interviewee to talk (these questions will begin with who, what, when, where, why, how).
6. Get more specific information by probing deeper into the answers from the “open” questions -- ask for examples.
7. Make sure you ask some behavior-based questions, like how they handled a staff problem in the past.
8. Be sure to take notes.
9. Don’t ask questions to which you already know the answers.
10. Watch for inconsistencies in their answers.
11. Don’t monopolize the conversation.
12. Don’t paint an unrealistic picture of your company.
13. Set up a rating scale so you can compare each candidate equally.
14. Don’t allow any interruptions -- put phone calls on hold, close your door, etc.
15. Don’t cut your interviewing time short -- allow enough time to adequately rate the applicant. 16. Be on the lookout for job hoppers (a new employer each year?).
17. Be on the lookout for a salary history that shows little increase (usually means the person is too comfortable with average sales and probably not competitive enough).
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