How to be the Best Interviewer

Businesses are constantly looking for the perfect employee, however, many times lose a potential great hire at the interview stage.  Have you had this happen and then sit back and wonder why you are unable to “close the deal.”

The fact is that interviewing is a skill that many have not mastered, and with candidates being more selective with who they work for, it is becoming more difficult to gain the attention of a potential candidate with someone who does not interview well.  If you want to attract great candidates and actually get the hire, invest time into the person conducting your interviews.  Here are several tips to becoming the best interviewer:

• Great interviewers did not just sit down one day and decide to do the interviews.  They have sat in on numerous interviews and have participated in the conversations conducted.  Each interview is different and by sitting in on countless interviews, you can see how each is handled.
• As an interviewer, you must understand all of the legalities surrounding interview questions.  Knowing what you can and cannot ask is step one.  
• You must be able to communicate well.  If you have trouble communicating or holding a conversation for about an hour, then you will never succeed at being the best interviewer.  You should be comfortable with holding a conversation with the potential candidate regarding multiple topics, both business and non-business related.  
• All interviewers MUST understand the job they are hiring for.  This is the reason most candidates decide to go elsewhere.  When the interview has no knowledge of the actual job, they are unable to provide meaningful answers to the candidate.  You should be able to explain the position in detail and even give them information about a typical day on the job.
• Also in line with understanding the position, you MUST know the intended salary range and benefits of the position.  A potential candidate is going to want to know all of this information, so they can make an informed decision.
• You need to be a salesperson.  You will need to sell your company to the potential candidate.  If you cannot sell what your company is about, how do you expect them to be passionate about the company?  
• The best interviewers understand body language.  The blank stares, the half nod, the fake smiles, and more.  Learning to read the body language of your candidate will save you both a lot of time.  You should be able to tell when a candidate is genuinely interested or is just wasting your time.

While there are many attributes associated with being the best interviewer, these tips can help you become a great interviewer and have candidates wanting to know more.  Take the interview seriously, and watch how your candidates and interviews become more productive for all involved.

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