Hiring Managers: The 3 Best Tips for Effective Interviewing

In today’s job market, it’s not enough for recruiters to simply post job openings and wait for candidates to apply. They need to be actively involved in the recruiting process, which includes honing their interviewing skills.

Recruiters need to know how to assess candidate profiles before and during each interview. By asking the right questions and listening carefully to answers, recruiters can get a better sense of which candidates are truly the best fit for the job. And that’s a win/win for everyone!

Here are three crucial tips for effective interviewing:

Plan Ahead for Every Interview

Recruiters need to plan ahead in order to ensure a successful outcome. By taking the time to prepare for each interview, recruiters can avoid potential problems and get a better sense of each candidate’s qualifications.

One of the biggest benefits of planning ahead is that it allows recruiters to ask more targeted questions. Instead of simply going through the motions, recruiters can take the time to come up with questions that will really help them get to know the candidate. This can make a big difference in terms of determining whether or not a candidate is a good fit for the position.

You might even share some of the talking points you’d like to cover with your candidate so they can have time to prepare thoughtful responses.

Assess Potential, Not Just Experience

Experience is important, but it’s not the only factor that determines whether or not a candidate will be successful in a role. To make the best hiring decisions, recruiters should also assess potential. 

Candidates with high potential are able to learn new things quickly and adapt to change. They’re also usually more creative and open-minded than candidates with only experience. 

Show, Don’t Tell

The best way to hire a chef is to have them cook you a meal. It’s not about asking them what their favorite seasonings are or how long they sear a steak. You want to see what they can really do. 

The same holds true in any type of interview. You might not get a real-live demo of their work, but you can ask questions that help you see your candidate’s thought process and skills in action. 

For example, you might explain a problem you and your team have recently encountered and ask them how they would solve it. 

Don’t Overlook Cultural Fit

Skills aside, there’s nothing like finding a candidate that fits well within your company’s ecosystem. Employees who are a good cultural fit are more likely to be satisfied with their job and stay with the company longer. 

They are also more likely to be productive and contribute positively to the company culture. All of the above can help reduce turnover and save the company money in the long run.
Learning how to be more effective in interviews can help you hire better and with greater confidence. For more hiring and recruiting tips for Virtual Assistants, head back to the Virtual Coworker blog.