Employee Motivation

Job interviews can be stressful prospects for employers and prospective employees. While an applicant may feel the onus is solely on them to produce a good interview, the reality is that employers are equally culpable when it comes to job interviews. We’ve previously discussed some of the dangers of falling prey to trends rather than customizing an interview for a position, as well as the importance of preparation on the part of the interviewer. Additionally, there are a few steps employers can take to aid in selecting the best employee.

The Interview Starts Earlier Than You Think

Interviews are all about information gathering. Resumes and cover letters are helpful tools, but no business owner is going to hire an employee without conducting some sort of interview first. As an information gathering process, the interview can begin well before an applicant steps into a conference room. One popular tactic for learning more about potential employees is by having them interact with other employees before interviews. Rather than letting them sit alone in a hallway or in the interview room, let them wait near a current employer. Even a chair near the receptionist will do. How the prospective employee deals with current employees can say a lot about their personality. While many people may be focused on the impending interview and refrain from carrying on an involved conversation while waiting, how do they treat that employee? Are they polite and considerate, or are they rude and conceited?

Don’t Forget the Banter

Casual conversation before, during and after interviews is a great way to really get to know a prospective employee. These idle conversations can tell an employer a great deal about someone, including a more accurate view of an applicant’s personality, which many interviewees are afraid to share during the course of an interview. Never underestimate the importance of small talk.

Remember Everyone is Human

The impulse to look for a superhuman employee is strong, but interviewers should remember that such a person does not exist. No one is infallible and everyone makes mistakes. If an interviewee makes a statement that contradicts something on his or her resume, it could be an honest mistake or simply a case of nerves. Suggesting that person is a liar is one way to ensure he or she will be unlikely to really open up in an interview, which could cause an employer to miss out on a great addition to their team. Shoes get scuffed and trousers get wrinkles, no matter how meticulous a person may have been in their preparations. Allowing a tiny detail such as a stray hair to dominate ones opinion of a potential employee can also lead to a missed opportunity. An effective interview strategy can work wonders for a company. From building an effective team to saving funds on additional rounds of training, thorough interviews tailored to the needs of a particular company can be one of the most effective tools in an entrepreneur’s toolbox.