Interview Tips for Employers

Before the Interview

During the Interview

After the Interview

1) Interview the person, not the skill set:

• Do they fit? (Personally/culturally)

• Goals (will they be satisfied here?)

• Can they do the job?

• Ask for real life examples of situations they have faced and problems they have solved, not hypothetical situations.

2) Be open and honest with the candidate:

• You want the candidate to be open with you, not put on their "game face".

• Ask open-ended questions. This invites conversation and you will learn more about the candidate's communication skills.

• Remember that the candidate is interviewing you and your company as you interview them. Make good eye contact, smile, etc.

• Avoid detailed conversations about inter-office rivalries.

3) Communicate, Communicate, Communicate:

• Tell the candidate what to expect in the hiring process.

• Tell them your expectations: career advancement, training, duties, experience expected and the direction the department is headed in.

• Tell them about: overtime, travel, unusual hours, etc.

• Show the candidate where they would fit into the organization.

• At the end of the interview, if you are interested in the candidate, let them know.

4) Don't talk money:

• The candidate hasn't had time to consider their salary requirements in light of your opportunity and expectations yet.