10 must-dos during a job interview, for Hiring Managers

A hiring manager’s role is essential in ensuring the success of the recruitment process, particularly during the interview stage. Ideally, a hiring manager should have a thorough understanding of the role they are hiring for, including the specific skills, experience, and attributes required. This involves collaborating with key stakeholders to create a detailed job description and identify the core competencies that should be assessed during the interview. Once the role requirements are clearly defined, hiring managers can develop a structured interview process.

Here are 10 steps to follow during a job interview to ensure a successful and effective hiring process:

1. Prepare Thoroughly

• Review the candidate’s resume, cover letter, and other application materials beforehand. Understand the role requirements and how the candidate’s experience aligns.

2. Set a Professional Tone

• Start the interview on time and create a welcoming environment. Introduce yourself, explain the interview process, and outline what you hope to achieve.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

• Use questions that encourage candidates to elaborate on their experiences, skills, and how they approach challenges. This helps in assessing their thought process and problem-solving abilities.

4. Assess Cultural Fit

• Talk about the company culture, values, and work environment. Ask questions that gauge how well the candidate would integrate into the team and the company culture.

5. Evaluate Technical and Soft Skills

• Balance the interview with questions that assess both technical competencies and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

6. Be Consistent

• Use a similar process and interview questions for all candidates to ensure a fair comparison and avoid bias.

7. Listen Actively

• Pay close attention to the candidate’s responses. Take notes and ask follow-up questions to clarify and delve deeper into important topics.

8. Provide Realistic Job Previews

• Share details about the role, including challenges, expectations, and typical day-to-day tasks. This helps candidates make informed decisions about the position.

9. Ask Behavioural Questions

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ask behavioural questions that reveal how candidates have handled situations in the past.

10. End on a Positive Note

• Conclude the interview by asking if the candidate has any questions. Provide a clear timeline for the next steps in the hiring process, and thank the candidate for their time and interest.

If you would prefer to delegate the hiring process, contact Oxygen Recruitment and HR. We are experienced in matching the right candidates with the right companies. Let us help you find the perfect match for your company.