Five Things to Consider When Conducting Interviews

I was privileged to attend a training program with Ross Clennett recently - “The Advanced Recruiter”. I enjoy Ross’s blogs and many recent posts have focussed on candidates and the best way to interview them. Having applied the tips suggested, I have seen extraordinary results. Lately, I have been asking candidates how they find being interviewed. Four out of five candidates told me that at other recruitment agencies, recruiters spent no more than ten minutes with them. I find this rather alarming.

It got me thinking, how can we be effective as recruiters or hiring managers in the short space of time we spend with candidates? Here are my thoughts around interviews and the dos and don’ts of interviewing.

1. Prepare – before you meet with a candidate, set time aside to review the candidate’s resume. You may be surprised but I have heard horror stories of candidates turning up to interviews with the client asking for their resume on the spot. How can you be prepared to ask the right questions if you don’t even have their resume on hand? Spend up to 15 minutes reading about what the candidate has done previously. Highlight some points you’d like to probe and explore examples of their work.

2. Dress the part! – As an interviewer in a corporate environment, you should be the best dressed in the room. Set an example and be professional. When I first arrived in Sydney looking for work, I met a “senior recruiter” who was dressed in ripped black jeans and trainers. Her casual approach didn’t instil confidence in me.

3. Test their competencies – This is one of the main aims of interviewing. Asking a candidate for examples of their work will not only identify that the candidate did the job but whether they did it well. The right set of questions will show you who the top-performing candidate is. Try not to ask general questions like, “have you dealt with a difficult customer?”.

Better questioning would be, “Tell me about a time where you set yourself a very challenging goal. What was the goal? What action did you take? Did you achieve the goal? What did you learn about yourself from this goal setting exercise?”

Many hiring managers and recruiters don’t probe enough. They fail to ask challenging questions that will identify high performers. Not only that, great candidates will see that you have taken the time and effort to really understand their background. It’s a little more work for a lot more value.

4. A nervous or quiet candidate is fine! – Don’t be put off by a candidate who is more introverted as interviews can be scary for some. Having to talk about yourself can be hard and some people find it uncomfortable. Put their likeability aside and break the emotional link between you and the candidate. Explore how a candidate can develop, improve, and add value in their next role and see what steps they have taken to improve on their weaknesses.

5. Be a clear communicator and FOLLOW UP – Making candidates aware of the process is so important as is effective communication in the recruitment process. There is nothing more frustrating than interviewing for a position and never hearing back. As a recruiter/ hiring manager, it’s all about the relationship. If you clearly communicate with your candidates, they will come back. You may not get the candidate that dream job they wanted, but they’ll remember you and may even become a client in the future!

There are many tips and techniques on interviewing candidates but following simple guidelines will get the most out of your time spent with your future recruit!

For more interview tips and tricks subscribe to our blog. If you are a job seeker wanting to perform better in interviews, check out the people2people Interview Centre.

Get in touch

Aiden Boast • January 12, 2020

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: