Interviewing: Do It Right the First Time
By Candace Fisher, SPHR, Director, Organizational Development/Certified Coach
Published January 12, 2021
Human Resource professionals know the importance of the hiring process. We are not finding “bodies” to fill open positions; we are recruiting, interviewing, and hiring professionals who can succeed in our organization and whose knowledge, skills, and abilities will help our organizations succeed. The right individual to fill a position is one who is a right fit for the job and for the organization, and who feels that the job and the organization are a right fit for them. If the fit is not right – on either side – the costs in lower engagement, productivity, and turnover will be great. Depending on the position, studies indicate that replacement costs can vary from 16% to over 200% of the position’s annual salary. The hiring process can be a lengthy one, but doing it right the first time will save time and money in the long run.
The candidates’ perception of the interviewers and the professionalism of the process reflects on the organization. Hiring managers, working with HR, should:
- Compile a list of skills and qualifications required for the position.
- Identify job specific behavior-based interview questions.
- Structure the interview to be a consistent experience for all candidates.
- Consider logistics to set the stage for an effective interview.
- Identify the interview team, how the interview will flow and what kind of debriefing is planned.
- Become familiar with each candidate’s resume.
When conducting the interview, interviewers should:
- Create rapport.
- Probe for complete answers.
- Use active listening skills.
- Take (legally defensible) notes.
- Avoid interviewer errors and bias.
- Stay within legal guidelines throughout the interview.
- Sell the position and organization.
But the work’s not done! The process in choosing the best candidate involves many critical and detailed steps, including:
- Compiling interview results.
- Comparing interview answers to the list of pre-determined required qualifications.
- Debriefing with the team to obtain all interviewers’ buy-in and ensuring that attention is also paid to the team’s observations during and after the interview.
This process requires thought and training. HR Source has various resources that can help your organization find the right fit. On February 11th, HR Source is offering an online session of Interviewing: Finding the Right Fit. This hands-on virtual workshop-style session is geared toward hiring managers.
If your organization is looking for additional tools to assist in making the right hiring decision, HR Source also offers PXT Select™. This powerful selection assessment measures a candidate’s cognitive abilities, behaviors, and interests. Assessment results equip organizations and managers with easy-to-understand information and provides intuitive questions to strengthen the interview process.
For more information on either of these resources, contact one of our Training and OD professionals at 800-448-4584 or email info@hrsource.org.