EMPLOYER INTERVIEW TIPS
Preparation
- Your time and their time is precious, know why you are interviewing them.
- Prepare relative questions based on the vacancy
- Allow enough time – 30 minutes for a first interview should be sufficient
- If there any delays in arranged interview time then keep the candidate informed
The Environment
- First impressions really do count.
- Ensure the interview area is tidy and away from distractions
- Make sure that any confidential details are not visible.
- Use persons name, handshake and introduce self
- Appear relaxed and professional
Relaxed and Professional
- Put your candidate at ease
- Explain the interview structure
- Check if they have any immediate questions
The Interview
- Use open-ended questions, who, what, when how and why to avoid yes and no answers and allow the candidate to speak freely
- Candidate should do 75% of the talking
- Interviewer should lead the candidate through questioning
- It is important to maintain control of the interview, don’t ramble and don’t allow the candidate to do so
- Use open-ended questions, who, what, when how and why to avoid yes and no answers and allow the candidate to speak freely
- Verify statements/ seek examples
- Establish any previous responsibility and authority levels
- Establish any previous training received
- Probe differences between information given and information on CV/application form
- Discuss progression and how roles developed
- Establish understanding of working style – customer service, work ethic, relationship with other staff, attitude toward senior management, timekeeping, importance of appearance
- Confirm any gaps in CV/application form
- Establish mobility - travel to work times, commuting distance.
- Confirm reasons for leaving previous positions - always confirm actual reasons rather than information given on CV/application form
- Confirm any current notice period required
- Always establish the ‘wants’ and ‘don’t wants’ of the candidate
- Enquire as to anywhere they have applied
- Enquire as to the type of restaurants they would like to work for.
- Give candidate opportunity to demonstrate their interview preparation – what they know about the company, the vacancy etc
Examples of bad interview techniques
- Interviewer does all the talking
- Constant interruptions/unprepared
- You start telling “war stories” & showing off own your knowledge and experience
- Scared to tackle issues/verify information
- Intimidates candidate/power base
Gaining commitment
- You want good candidates to feel that they do not want to go to any other employer
- Give information regarding company history, structure, plans for the future, career opportunities, job demands etc
- Make positive statements about the company, vacancy, working environment etc
- Be honest, don’t mislead the candidate with regard to company information or vacancy
- Do not make assumptions, confirm that both parties are thinking along the same lines
Next Steps - Agreement
- Tell the candidate what you intend to do
- Inform them of the process and timeframes involved
- Keep the candidate informed, contact them when you say that you will
- Ask the candidate to keep you informed should they change their mind or accept another offer
- Do what you say you are going to do
- Get agreement
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