THE REASONS

Being a good interviewer requires more than just asking questions. Interviewing is both an art and a science. When done effectively, you learn valuable information about a job candidate that increases the odds of hiring a great fit, while also using the interview as a platform to “sell” the position to the ideal candidate.

Given the condition of today’s labor force, employers must do more than recruit for positions — they have to create a great workplace culture, and then hire people who want to be a part of that culture. A good interview leaves candidates excited about the prospect of joining your team.

IMPLEMENTATION

To sharpen your interview skills:

• Personality trumps experience. Define core personality traits you seek in a candidate (i.e., empathy and team player).
• Ask behavioral-based questions to determine whether the candidate possesses these personality traits.
• Do more listening than talking. This demonstrates that you value the candidate’s needs.
• Sell the position! The candidate is also interviewing you.

To further improve your interviewing skills, I recommend the book “Motivation-Based Interviewing: A Revolutionary Approach to Hiring the Best,” by Carol Quinn. OM