Canadajobs.com: For Employers: First Time Interviewing Candidates?

First Time Interviewing Candidates?
By Canadajobs.com Staff

If you're new at doing job interviews, it can be a challenge. You might not be certain of how to act, what to ask, etc. Here are some suggestions for the first-time interviewer.

Be Professional:

You represent the company and you're likely the sole representative the candidate will see. Being professional means dressing the part, being respectful of the interviewee, and knowing how to act. Don't be overly friendly or casual. Remember, it's your job to evaluate the candidate. Talking too much is common when we're nervous so try to stay calm and relaxed.

Be Confident:

The interviewee should have absolutely no idea that you are doing your first job interview. Have all your questions prepared and cleared with your supervisor. You must be aware which questions you can and can't ask legally.

Take notes. It might seem clear in your mind, but after you've seen half a dozen candidates, you might have a hard time remembering who's who. When a candidate arrives, shake his or her hand, invite them to take a seat, and make sure you stay in control of the coversation.

Know What to Look For:

You will find out what type of person the interviewee is by his or her answers, and also by how they act, how they reply, and how they listen. Pay attention to small details. Are they listening when you speak? Do they ask intelligent questions? Are they interested in the position and not just the salary? Knowing what to look for is as important as asking the right questions.

Ask Useful Questions:

Ask questions that you genuinely want to know the answer to. Again, make sure they've been cleared with the HR department and are legally all right to ask. Asking questions to trick interviewers is disrespectful. If you want to know if they're a team player, if they have good social skills, if they are hard working, if they are willing to go above and beyond, ask them through intelligently-worded open-ended questions. And listen to the answers.

Some great questions are:

-What skills do you think this position requires and do you have them?
-How would you describe your management style?
-What would you say you bring to a workplace?
-Elaborate of the work you did at ABC company. How did it help your career?

Do Informal Tests:

If a candidate says they are biligual and you speak the other language, switch to that language and ask them a few questions to evaluate their comprehension, level of language skills, and their proficiency to formulate sentences.

If they state that they are able to do something or have a specific skill, ask them instances to show you how they've used their skill in the past. Ask them for detailed examples of their abilities.

Being prepared and knowing what to ask and look for will give you the answers you are seeking when you are evaluating candidates. Try to look at the big picture for the type of employee you are looking for and whether the candidate in front of you is a good fit for your company. Project a postive image, friendly but professional, and remember to relax and be confident.

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