Interviewing A to Z - Part I (cont.)
The purpose of the actual interview is to learn as much as you can about the applicant's past behavior. Past behavior is the single best predictor of future behavior. You should ask the candidate "what did you do" in this or that situation, instead of' "what would you do"
- Remember that the applicant is trying to impress you, but you want to know
the real person behind that impressive exterior.
- Will this person be able to "fit in" with the rest of your employees?
Compatibility is equally as important as competence.
- Eliminate your biases. It: is not healthy to have all employees exactly
like you. Diversity is good for business.
- No one is the perfect interviewer. You will make mistakes, but they will
be fewer if you apply the advice in this article. Hiring is a game of
percentages. You can stack the odds in your favor by using good interviewing
practices.
- It is most important to match the individual's skills with the job
requirements. Other factors such as race, religion, gender, etc. shouldn't
mean anything nor should they be considered.
- Review in your mind what you offer as benefits of employment in your store
and what key characteristics you must have for a good employee and those you
would prefer to have.
- Make the candidates feel safe and comfortable. You want them to "open up."
- To make the interview time with each candidate effective, you need to have all your questions and the interview schedule well organized. An important tool is an interview-question list. By using this form for each candidate, you will ask the same questions of each applicant and can later compare the candidates on an “apples-to-apples” basis.
You should never schedule a series of interviews without giving yourself at least a 20 minute break in between. This will give you the time to reflect on each candidate and write down their answers to your questions and your impressions of those answers. Also, as a store owner or manager, you will need some time to handle problems with store operations that can't wait until all interviews are completed, and of course it could be helpful to take time for “bladder relief.” Next Page