As a hiring manager, you're tasked with finding the right candidate that fits the job and company culture. You are keenly aware of the millions of dollars lost each year when companies get it wrong by hiring a bad fit. Your task also includes selling the company to the new candidate. You understand that the best candidates are shopping around, searching for the top pay incentives, benefits, and other perks -- including that elusive cultural fit.
As a creative staffing agency with more than 17 years experience, our team has interviewed thousands of job seekers. Over the years we've developed some "beyond the basics" interviewing tips for hiring managers that will improve your chances for finding the right candidate, and present your company in the best possible light.
Interviewing Tips
Here are some of our best suggestions, gathered from interview techniques we've used in the field:
- We often employ behavioral interview techniques that ask interviewees to describe past behaviors in relation to specific job skills. Instead of asking, "Tell me something about yourself," ask the candidate to share what they consider to be their top job-related skill. Then ask them to describe a situation where they used that skill effectively.
- Never ask, "What is your greatest weakness?" Canned questions can foster a canned response, and it's likely they've heard this one before. Try something like, "What kind of feedback have you received from managers in the past - both positive and negative?" A follow up question could be, "How were you able to apply that feedback on the job?"
- Ask questions that delve into the preparedness of the interviewee for the interview. "What industry trends do you think will affect our company in the next few years?"
- Ask unusual questions like, "What risks did you take in your last role?" or even, "If you could be any superhero, who would it be -- and why?" While the last question may seem off the wall, it's likely to give you a glimpse into the person behind the interview mask. It will illustrate their ability to think quickly on their feet when taken off guard.
These are just a few tips from the team at Artisan Talent. Need some more help and suggestion for the interviewing process? We understand your challenges. Let us share our expertise -- we are, after all, professional interviewers. Contact us to discuss how we can help improve your hiring success!
