Effective Interview Techniques
Conducting a successful interview is a crucial skill for any hiring manager. It goes beyond simply assessing qualifications; it's about delving into a candidate's experience, behaviours, and mindset. In this blog post our Director Carlie explores some effective interview techniques to provide you with a set of thought-provoking questions to help you make well informed decisions when hiring your next team member.
Behavioural questions:
One effective way to understand a candidate's past actions and behaviours is through behavioural questions. For example:
1 - Describe a situation at work where you embraced a new system, process, or piece of technology that was vastly different from the old way you did things.
This question prompts the candidate to share a specific example, allowing you to gauge their adaptability and openness to change.
2 - Tell me about a time in the last month when you have felt energised and productive at work. What were you doing to feel that way?
Understanding what activities motivate and energise a candidate provides insights into their work preferences and the potential value they could bring to your team.
3 - Describe a time when you felt stressed or overwhelmed in the workplace. How did you handle that?
This question helps you assess the candidate's resilience and ability to manage challenging situations, providing valuable insights into their coping mechanisms.
Situational questions:
Situational questions help you understand how a candidate might approach future scenarios. Here are some examples:
4 - Why are you interested in this job opportunity with our company?
This question goes beyond assessing generic interest and allows the candidate to articulate specific reasons they are drawn to your company, indicating alignment with your values and goals.
5 - How do you organise your time and tasks each day?
Understanding a candidate's organisational skills is crucial. This question allows you to gauge their time management methods and efficiency.
6 - What should I know about you that is not on your resume?
Encouraging candidates to share attributes or experiences not captured on their resume provides a more holistic view of their character.
7 - Since our last conversation, is there anything about the role on offer that concerns you?
This question invites open communication and allows candidates to express any reservations they may have, fostering transparency and addressing concerns early in the process.
Effective interviewing involves a blend of behavioural and situational questions, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's skills, experiences, and cultural fit. By incorporating these insightful questions into your interviews, you'll be better equipped to make informed hiring decisions that align with your business goals and values.
