Do you often have to interview new people? Or will you soon have to start interviewing candidates for a role, and are looking for guidance? Then look no further! Follow these interview techniques everyone should know. To make sure you get the best out of the interview and find the best candidate for the role you are looking to fill.
Plan the Interview Structure
One of the most important interview techniques you should take on is beforehand to plan an interview structure. Make sure you have clear what the beginning, middle and end of the interview should be and what you want to get out of it. And set a time frame for it too. It can happen that you find yourself in an interesting conversation with the candidate, and you might get sidetracked. There is nothing wrong with that for a short period of time. However, you want to work efficiently. So make sure you have a structure, and try to stick to it. An interviewee should not be in charge of how the interview and conversations go – you are.
A structure or framework for the interview can depend on personal or company preference, but in general, it will roughly look as follows.
- Talk about the company, household or family and the job role. This is where you will do most of the talking.
- Question time – this is where you will ask any suited questions to the candidate, and allow them to elaborate on their answers. Also, give the candidate the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
- End by explaining what the next steps are. When decisions are made, and when the candidate can expect to hear anything back.
Prepare Questions
Another great interview technique to have is a solid line of questions. You will unlikely be able to come up with all the best questions on the spot. So it is key that you prepare and come up with a set list of questions before you start any interview. As your interview progresses, you might have more specific questions for one certain candidate. But the pre-prepared interview questions again gives you some structure and makes sure you are not missing out on any information you want to gather.
Listen and make notes.
A common mistake made in interviews is that the interviewer takes over and does all the talking. It can be difficult not to, especially when you are passionate about the job and the opportunity you are potentially giving someone. But you will find that at the end of the interview, you still do now know whether that candidate actually was suited for the role.
So coming back to your interview structure – start with you doing the talking. But this should not be longer than only a couple of minutes, maximum. From then on, it should be the candidate doing most of the talking.
Make sure you really listen to what they have to say and make notes. You might think at the moment that you will remember everything. But after a long day of interviewing many different candidates, it can be difficult to remember each story individually. What can be really helpful is to at the end of the interview, write up a short paragraph summary of the interview and how you feel. This will help you when you go over your notes again. And it will probably help you remember things you already forgot.
Pay attention to body language
Interviewing a candidate is so much more than just speaking to the person. A great interview technique is to focus on body language, as well as what the person is telling you. Did they show up on time, do they look professional and well presented? You want to see someone excited for the role, and genuinely interested to find out more. This comes back in body language during the interview too. Are they sitting actively, engaging? Or are they sitting back, slumped down on their chair, with their arms crossed? Are they comfortable in making eye contact, or are they looking away and perhaps easily distracted? It can seem like little things, but the overall presentation can make a big difference.
Don’t let everything depend on body language too. Someone can be really nervous, for example. And that may come across as insecurity. That does not automatically mean they will be unsuited for the role. Or not confident in the tasks. A job interview can be an intimidating place to be, which is more comfortable for some than others. So make sure to review the whole picture, CV, experience, skills, and body language too.
How Polo & Tweed Can Help
Do you need any help interviewing candidates, or even with finding suited candidates for a domestic staff job role? We can help! Polo & Tweed work with all domestic staff. From butlers, housekeepers and nannies to chefs, gardeners and security. Our experienced recruitment consultants will be able to help you through the whole process. From sourcing the best candidates for you, to setting up all interviews and even helping with job offers. Let us take all the hard work away from you. Contact us now to find out more and we can get the process started for you.