Interview Do’s and Don’ts for Employers

DO’S & DON’TS FOR CONDUCTING JOB INTERVIEWS

How do you know what questions to ask? How do you know who to hire? How can you tell who is right for the job? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for holding job interviews that can help you answer all these questions:

Do’s

Do Your Homework-:

  • You expect any potential employees to come to your interview ready to ask intelligent questions about the company. But as the employer you need to come just as prepared to ask relevant questions of the potential employee.
  • Do your homework by skimming through and marking talking points on the potential’s resume, check out online portfolios or writing samples, look at his or her LinkedIn and Facebook accounts.
  • You can learn a lot about a person before you even start the interview process. Or at least you can learn about some questions you can ask; for example, having a friend in common on Facebook can give you a good ice breaker or an ‘ease the tension’ talking point.

  • Do be Specific -

  • Many employers are still using the classic ‘tell me a bit about yourself?’ question. And the same thing runs through every potential’s head “what do you want to know!?” Instead of asking this incredibly broad question and getting answers you either do not like or do not care about, be specific.
  • Ask the questions you want to know the answers to. Some of these questions could include: what are your hobbies? How have you used creativity in the workplace? What inspires you? What sort of things have you done that might help you in this position? Etc.

  • Do Take Notes-:

  • It is hard to know what to do with your hands, or how to sit while interviewing. You want to look interested while at the same time pay attention to little details without giving anything away with your facial expressions.
  • You can avoid a lot of awkward looks, body language, etc. by simply taking notes. And you should take notes anyway because after you interview about three or more people they will all start to blur together. Write down facts, details, things you like, things you do not like then after the interviews are over you can compare.
  • Taking notes also helps the potential employer feel like he or she is saying something important enough for you to take note of. Just make sure you look up and have eye contact often and that you look up to ask or answer any questions.

  • Do Ask the Same Questions of Everyone-:

  • Have a list of questions you want to ask ready at the beginning of every interview and ask all of them to each potential employee.
  • You want to use the same measuring stick for every interview so all the questions should stay the same. Follow up questions are different because each person is different with a different background and different qualifications.

  • Do Follow Up-:

  • If you say you are going to call or email in a certain time frame – do so. Even if you have not made your decision yet, you must follow through on your word.
  • Don’ts

    Don’t Give off the Wrong Body Language-:

    Do not give off the wrong body language during an interview. Some body language to avoid includes the following:

    • Crossing your arms says you are defensive.
    • Rubbing your neck and face says you are distracted or bored.
    • Pointing your feet or leaning your body toward the door says you want to escape.
    • Not keeping any eye contact says you are nervous.

    Don’t Get Hung Up on the ‘What is Your Weakness?’ Question -

  • One of the hardest questions for possible employees to answer is the “what is your greatest weakness?” question.
  • They get stuck because if they answer truthfully, they may place themselves out of the running, if they answer with a typical ‘I’m too productive, too social, etc.’ it sounds fake. No matter what they answer you usually do not learn much from the answers. Be more specific and ask something like, “what have past employers said about your performance?” or “how did you handle a negative or hard situation in your last job?” You learn more by asking these kinds of questions because you learn facts instead of what another person thinks are his or her weakness.
  • Don’t Make a Hasty Decision -

  • Wait until you have collected and gone over all your information before you decide.


  • Interview Do’s and Don’ts for Employees


    Interview do's

  • Dress appropriately. Extremes in fashion or very casual clothes should generally be avoided. Look neat and clean.
  • Be punctual. Make sure that you are 10 minutes early and if you are going to be unavoidably detained ring and let them know.
  • Express yourself and your views clearly.
  • Bring a copy of all relevant documents, so you can refer to them if necessary.
  • Listen carefully to the questions and answer clearly and thoughtfully.
  • Make eye-contact. Remember to talk to the person (not the top right-hand corner of the room or at their shoes).
  • Make sure you fully understand the question and query any point about which you may be doubtful.
  • If you are being interviewed by a panel, ensure that you direct your answer to the person who asked the question, while still including the other interviewers by making brief eye contact.
  • Ask questions. Selection is a two-way process. They select you, but you also select them.
  • Be aware of what your needs are, so as you can assess how well the company can fulfil them.
  • Be Confident. Remember that you applied for the position because you thought that you could do it.
  • Show enthusiasm for the company and the position.
  • Remember that they already like you. Employers don't interview everyone. They only interview those people who they think have the right skills and experience to succeed in the position. Consequently, in the interview, you maintain and improve on the positive image that you have already created.
  • Make sure that you always present your skills in a positive light. Even when describing your weaknesses, you should always show them what you are doing to rectify it.
  • Make sure that you have an idea about where you want to be in the future and can relate the future goals to your application for the present position. You must be able to answer the question "Where do want to be in five years’ time?"
  • Interview don'ts

  • Don't dress too casually or look untidy.
  • Don't make derogatory remarks about past or present employers.
  • Don't fidget or twitch, try to control other nervous mannerisms.
  • Conversely, don't sit there like a statue. If you feel more comfortable talking with the aid of your hands for emphasis, then use them, but try not to be too excessive in your gestures.
  • Don't interrupt the interviewer before they have finished asking you a question and never finish their sentences for them.
  • Don't Lie. If you must lie about what you are like or your abilities to obtain the job, you are likely to find yourself in a position that you don't really like and probably one in which you will have problems fulfilling successfully.
  • Don't worry if you answer one question badly. Treat each question individually. Remember that if you mess up the second question but answer the next 15 brilliantly they won't place much emphasis on the second question putting your poor answer down to nerves. If however, you get so caught up in chastising yourself for making a mistake, you will continue to make mistakes, have more problems thinking about your answer and finish feeling extremely anxious and knowing that you made a mess of the interview.
  • Don't talk about salary, holidays or bonuses unless they bring them up.
  • Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Make sure that you explain your reasoning fully.
  • Don't wear too much perfume or aftershave.
  • Don't smoke even if invited to do so.