In the fast paced world we live in now it’s sometimes easy to forget that when we are interviewing someone they are interviewing us as well, here are some tips to help you ace your next interview!

Focus on the candidate

Now I know that this seems a little silly to say but it is really important, make sure that you have read the candidates resume before they arrive for their interview, it’s really easy to tell if someone is fluffing their way through your interview so be prepared.

Leave your phone at your desk

We all know how easy it is to get distracted when a message or email comes through so leave your phone at your desk so you can give your full attention to your candidate.

Ease the candidate’s nerves

Be a good host and offer your candidate a glass of water, or a cup of coffee or tea. Most of the time they won’t take you up on it but they will feel more relaxed after you ask. You could also ask them about their day, how they are or how the traffic was getting to the interview. This often helps break the ice and you will probably get more honest and open answers out of candidate.

Outline the interview structure

Give the candidate an idea of how the interview is going to go so that they are prepared and so they know that they will have time to ask you questions later on.

Use an interview guide

Before your interview, sit down with other managers or your recruiter and create an interview guide. The guide should be based on what skills and experience you’re looking for in the successful candidate. This  can make your interview run smoother, be more targeted and help you to relax a little as well.

Leave time for candidate questions

Always make sure that you have plenty of time left in your interviews for the candidate to ask their questions, remember that they are interviewing you as well, so remain positive.

Close the interview

It is important to let the candidate know the next step of the process at the end of your interview. One way to do this is give them a reasonable time frame for when they can expect to hear from you and make sure to thank them for their time.

Follow Up

A vital part of any interview process is to always follow up with your candidates even if they are not suitable. Pick up the phone and give them a quick call to again thank them for their time and let them know they have been unsuccessful, or let them know that you would like to move forward and hopefully offer them the position.