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Conducting An Interview
- Establish Rapport: A cordial greeting and suitable introductions will establish rapport and help create a pleasant atmosphere. Following the greeting, some "small talk" is usually of value to relax the applicant and help establish open communication.
- Explain Purpose and Set Agenda: Take control of the interview and relax the applicant by explaining what will occur during the interview process.
- Gather Information: Interviewing requires listening, probing, reflecting, summarizing, and evaluating skills. Ideally, the interviewer should talk only about 25% of the time. Avoid asking questions that require only a "yes" or "no" answer. Ask open-ended questions that encourage the applicant to express ideas and provide information. Ask follow-up questions that encourage further conversation.
- Describe the Position and the Organization: Provide sufficient facts, both favorable and unfavorable, about the position and the department in a straightforward manner so that the applicant can make an intelligent decision about the acceptability of the position. Use caution in describing the position. Do not assure the applicant that if hired, he/she can count on a long career or that there are no layoffs. Discussion of salary, promotional opportunities, and job security issues must be carefully worded. Do not make promises you do not have the authority to make.
- Answer Questions and Allow the Applicant to Add Information: The applicant's objectives are to gather information about the position, as well as, sell him/herself. Provide the opportunity for applicants to accomplish these objectives.
- Conclude the Interview: Thank the applicant for his/her time and explain what will happen next. Tell the applicant when the hiring decision will be made and how it will be communicated
You can view a video on what not to do in an interview
