How Not to Conduct an Interview

Interviewing isn't just a necessary skill for job seekers, but for those doing the hiring too. One slip-up, by either person, can instantly raise doubts in the other one's mind and leave them looking elsewhere.

So if you don't wish to leave your interviewees saying "No thank you" to your job offer, here are six interviewer pitfalls you want to avoid.

Negativity

Don't bad-mouth the organisation, other members of staff or the nature of the job. And don't talk yourself down either. Why? Because negativity is like a disease. It tells your prospective new worker that this is not a happy place to work and that you do not like your job.

Asking Pointless Questions

Ask questions that are relevant to the role. Don't waste your interviewee's time asking obscure questions, just to see if they can come up with something good under pressure. You're likely to just irritate them and make them less likely to want to take the job.

Talking Too Much

Remember to give your interviewee plenty of opportunity to communicate. If you don't let them speak enough, how can you know if they are going to be a decent fit for the position?

Not Saying Enough

On the other hand, if you don't give them enough information about the role they're interviewing for and the organisation, then they can't honestly agree to dedicate themselves to it. If they ask you questions about why the previous person left the role, what day-to-day life is like within the organisation and your aims, give them honest and carefully considered answers. It's these answers that will help them determine whether they are right for the role, which means not wasting their time or your time in the long run.

Being Unprepared

You're busy, they're busy - we're all busy. But when people have spent countless hours getting ready for an interview and have taken time out and travelled in order to meet you, they need you to be just as professional and respectful. So it's not a good idea to keep them waiting in reception for over half an hour or invent the interview questions on the spot.

Illegal Practices

Asking interviewees if they are thinking of getting married and having children or saying you usually hire people of a certain age could lead to legal action against you. Before you interview any person, learn about the important aspects of employment legislation.

Written by Mark Dewdney of Circle Square Talent - 

Finance & Accountancy Recruitment London