EMPLOYER INTERVIEW TOP TIPS...
Hiring is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions businesses make, that’s why NIck Cooper, Managing Director at Equity Recruitment, one of the leading Finance and Accountancy recruitment agencies, has developed top tips to help owners and managers make the most of the recruitment process.
“The recruitment market is currently candidate rich, as a result of many excellent candidates having been made redundant or unsettled during the recession. For those companies in a position to take advantage of this now is the time to snap up the sector’s hottest talent. Businesses shouldn’t underestimate the long term savings they will make by hiring the right candidate the first time round,” said Nick Cooper.
Clear job description
Make sure you have written a clear job description and have provided it to your interviewees prior to the interview. This will mean you can set candidate expectation and this will reduce time wasted on those who are not serious about the role. In addition, it will keep the interviewer focused on hiring someone who is the best fit for the role.
Preparation goes a long way
Prepare a list of questions and discussion points that you wish to cover with the candidate and don’t be afraid to refer to them. This will help keep the format of the interview and will ensure you get answers to any questions the CV may have prompted.
Create a relaxing environment
Interviews are nerve-wracking, so take the time to put the candidate at ease, offer them a drink and take time on pleasantries to ease them into the interview. This will help you get a true indication of their personality and capability.
Is the candidate taking this role seriously?
You should consider asking what the interviewee knows about your company. This will determine how much preparation they have done and how seriously they are taking your vacancy.
Hunt in pairs
It is always sensible to hold interviews with a colleague or an external HR advisor where possible. This will help give you a balanced view, two people will often see different characteristics in a candidate.
Dig deep
Many employers make the mistake of not digging deep enough during an interview. For every question that you ask, deliver a follow-up question to see whether they have thought in depth about their answers. And let the candidate talk freely – this will encourage more honest answers.
Round up
To finish off the interview, ask the candidate whether they have any questions for you. You will be able to tell whether they have grasped an understanding of your business from the questions they ask, and it will indicate their level of interest.
Feedback
If you have time, provide feedback to those you interview, this will be valuable for the candidate, and will also mean you can keep those you think have potential on file for the future. Treating candidates well is essential to maintaining your reputation as an employer.
References
Ensure you follow up on the references provided and ask questions about your potential hire that reveals valuable information (regarding leadership qualities, loyalty, service, sickness etc).
For further information please contact Nick Cooper at Equity Recruitment.