How to Start an Interview with Candidates: Tips and Tricks

Are you about to conduct your first interview? Are you feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this blog post, we will walk you through how to start an interview. We’ll provide some tips and tricks to make it go as smoothly as possible.

Conducting an interview can be a daunting task. But if you follow best practices, you can put your best foot forward and make a great first impression on your potential new employee!

Plan the job interview

Before you can prepare for a job interview, you need to clearly understand the position and the desired candidate. The best way to get this information is to speak with the hiring manager. They will be able to tell you what qualities they are looking for in an ideal candidate.

You should also look beyond the resume and do some of your own research on key points. This will help you to ask more detailed and specific questions. This way, you’ll get a better sense of whether the candidate is a good fit for the position

Prepare for the job interview conversation

To conduct a productive and successful interview is important. to prepare. Review the position’s requirements and make an outline of the skills, personality traits, experience, and educational requirements you are seeking.

Once you have a clear idea of what you are looking for, choose the interview setting.

Will it be a one-on-one meeting or a panel interview? Will it take place in your office or will be a video interview? If it’s a video interview, will you be using Skype, Google Hangouts, or another platform?

Once you have decided on the logistics, set appointments with your potential candidates.

Keep in mind that the best candidates may have already been interviewed by other companies. So try to schedule interviews as soon as possible.

Start with standard opening lines

Before diving into the interview questions, it’s important to establish a rapport with the interviewee. Start by introducing yourself and summarizing the job description and job title. You only have 7 seconds to make a good first impression.

It’s also helpful to explain the interview process, and structure. Most candidates feel comfortable when they know what to expect.

Once you’ve set the stage, it’s time to start asking questions.

“Tell me about yourself” is a common question, but it can also be one of the most difficult questions to answer. Try to make it more specific, such as “Tell me about what led you to take this interview?” or “What are your career aspirations?”

Asking open-ended questions will encourage a conversation, rather than a series of one-word answers. By establishing a rapport and asking thoughtful questions, you’ll be on your way to conducting a successful interview.

Make job candidates feel comfortable

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, both for the candidate and the interviewer. It is important to remember that, as the interviewer, you hold a lot of power in the situation.

You can make the interviewee feel comfortable, or as nervous as they already are. Create an environment where the interviewee feels like they can be themselves and express their qualifications.

Be attentive and responsive to their answers, make eye contact, and be respectful of their personal space. Be aware of your own body language and keep an open posture.

Ask qualifying questions

Qualifying questions help determine if the candidate has the skills and experience necessary for the job.

When conducting an interview, it is important to ask both open-ended and closed-ended questions.

Closed-ended questions are those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Open-ended questions need a more detailed response. Closed-ended questions are useful for gathering information, but open-ended questions are necessary for getting a complete picture.

For example, you might start by asking a closed-ended question like “Have you ever worked in customer service?” But you would also want to follow up with an open-ended question like “What was your experience in customer service?”

Always ask qualifying questions related to the job and the candidate’s professional experience. Questions about a candidate’s past relevant experience will help you determine if they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job referencing specific lists of required qualifications and proficiencies. Check for soft skills, leadership skills, and management abilities.

Asking questions about a candidate’s professional demeanor will give you insight into their work ethic and whether they will be a good fit for your company culture.

Be tough but fair

When conducting a job interview, it is important to be both tough and fair. This means asking questions that get to the candidate’s character and skill. Problem-solving and technical questions assess a candidate’s ability to think on their feet and perform under pressure. In fact, 75% of recruiters use behavioral questions to assess soft skills

It is also important to give the candidate an opportunity to sell themselves. Allow candidates to talk about their accomplishments and experience. This will give you a better sense of their motivation and drive.

The goal is to find the best possible match for the job, so it is important to use both tough and fair interviewing techniques.

Sell your company in the best light

Sell your company in the best light when conducting a job interview. You want the candidate to see how the job role and company fit with their personal values.

Talk about your company culture and how it related to the job role. Build a personal connection with the candidate by relating the job role to their personal life.

Try to use the WIIFM framework to empathize with the interviewee. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself “what’s in it for me”. This will help you better sell the position and company.

Candidates should feel like they are a good fit for the company and that the company is a good fit for them. Otherwise, they will not be as likely to accept the job offer.

Find out what will make the candidate join your company

Ask what candidates are looking for in a new position. This question provides insight into whether the candidate is a good fit for your company.

Are they looking for a challenging work environment? A chance to learn new skills? The ability to work from home? By understanding what the candidate is hoping to find in a new position, you can gauge whether your company would be able to offer them what they are seeking.

Asking this question can also help to ensure that you are on the same page as the candidate when it comes to expectations and objectives.

Encourage Questions

Encouraging questions from job applicants during an interview can help you learn more about the applicant and their objectives. It also ensures that the applicant is a good fit for the position.

Asking questions also shows that the applicant is interested in the position and is willing to take the time to learn more about the company and the role. Asking questions also shows that the applicant is analytical and can think on his feet.

Encouraging questions from job applicants can help to create a better match between the company and the applicant.

Clearly define the next steps

Candidates should be told what the next steps are in the hiring process, including any next interview timelines. The decision-making process that will take place after the interview should be explained.

Give them your contact information in writing in case they have any questions. By doing this upfront, you can avoid any confusion or frustration later on.

Interview follow-up process

After the interview, follow up with all stakeholders involved in the decision-making process.

This includes reviewing test results (if applicable), meeting with stakeholders to discuss the interview assessments and test results conducting reference checks, and contacting the winning candidate to negotiate an offer.

This way you ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the final decision is made with all information considered.

Conducting an interview can be a daunting task, but by following these tips and tricks, you can set yourself up for success. By being prepared and organized, you can create a positive experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Open Interviews or Walk-in Interviews