Six Tips for the Interviewer

Having just gone through the interview process (as an interviewer) again, I am reminded how frustrating it can be.   You want to hire the right person for the job and a right match for your team. . .but it is difficult to make a fair assessment in just a few hours time when you are essentially having an introductory conversation that is outside the everyday realities of work.

Here, then, are a few reminders for the interviewer.

1.  The interview is not the end-game.  Some of the best people on the team were people who were satisfactory, but not necessarily outstanding interviews.    Some of the best interviews I've had turned out to be mediocre team members.

2.  Practical experience aces the interview.  I have seen this happen multiple times.     A truly great employee ends up, perhaps due to nerves or whatever, not being a great interview.   If this happens, don't rely on the interview, but instead rely on the practical experience of the team member you know.

3.  Don't try to get "tricky" in the interview.  Do not try to trip up the interviewee, or put them in the "hot seat" or pressure test the individual.  It's not the reality of anyone's workplace (no matter how stressful you believe your workplace to be) and it's not fair to the individual.

4.  Have  a conversation.  You are only going to get the real essence of the interviewee, and they of you, if you remove the pretense and sit down and have a real conversation.    Try to make it as relaxing for all parties - it will be easier for you and it will give you a better chance to know the potential team member.

5.  It's not a speaking contest.   Don't look for the quick answer, the best-spoken answer or the most-referenced answer.   Look instead for the quality answer, the one that is thoughtful and will provide the best match for the work and the team.

6.   Don't be a afraid to make a mistake.  At some point, you will hire someone you wish you hadn't - then you coach.   Meanwhile, don't freeze up at the hiring point.     Engage the person who you believe brings the best attitude,  a satisfactory skill set and the ability to get along with, and enhance, the total team.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.