Finding the right person for the job means doing more than just finding a resume that fits the job description. An in-person interview is one of the most crucial steps in a hiring process and the goal shouldn’t just be to determine if their skills noted on their resume are true. During the actual interview, there are several things you can do that will help make it easier to determine if that individual is right fit for the job, the company and the culture. Here’s how:
Go Beyond the Basic Interview Questions
While you may have a set of standard questions that are part of every interview that you conduct, there also should be questions that relate specifically to that applicant. When reviewing a resume, use the information he or she provided to come up with some questions that invite detailed responses. For example, if the applicant has changed industries in recent years, ask questions that relate to the reasons behind that change. How does their work history line up with their ideal career path? Are you the desirable match that will get them to the next step?
Determine Fit with the Corporate Culture
An applicant can have all the experience and education needed for the position, but that is of little value if that person will not fit well into the corporate culture of your company. This is especially true when the work will require constant interaction with the members of a team. Try to get a good idea of how well that applicant interacts with others, and if he or she has the type of personality that is needed for the job. Would they be working alone or in a team? Is it a hierarchical structure or more flat? How do you compare to their past workplaces? If their attitude or personality would likely cause more disruption or slow down productivity, then it is best to keep looking.
Uncover Areas Where the Applicant is Passionate
Everyone has things that they are passionate about, and that includes elements found in the workplace. Hiring the right person will involve identifying people who are genuinely passionate about aspects of the work they would be doing for you. For example, if the applicant happens to be passionate about public speaking, this could reveal much about their ability to lead meetings, give presentations and speak confidently to employees and clients. Look to a candidate’s hobbies and interests to reveal more clues about their personality and work ethic.
Observe the Little Things
While listening to the responses, make a note of how much eye contact the candidate engages in. You also want to be aware of body language that indicates whether the person is being open and honest, or may be holding something back. Are they closed off or open? Do they fidget or seem uncomfortable? Facial expressions that indicate the applicant is fully engaged in the discussion are also good signs that the person has the ability to focus on the task of the minute, pursue it with enthusiasm, and will be easy to engage during a work project.
Hiring the right person doesn’t mean just searching through a number of resumes in order to find a few that seem to be a good fit. Once you have those interviews lined up, make the most of them. Pay close attention to everything that happens in the interview, and never be afraid to dig deeper. Doing so could mean the difference between hiring the right person and someone who is the wrong fit for the position.
