Recruitment and Interviewing

5. The Interview

A good interview will allow you to confirm the facts given in the application, assess the candidate's personality and suitability, and sell the idea of your job.

Avoid having only one interviewer, as this means there is no-one to help you get a balanced view.

5.1 Preparation is important.

• List the questions you want to ask. How does the candidate compare with what you are looking for? What essential information needs checking? Arrange to see any relevant documents or certificates.
• Be ready to answer questions on subjects like pay, benefits, starting date, hours of work, promotion prospects and holidays.

5.2 Make full use of the interview to find out what you need to know.

• Start by putting the candidate at ease. For example, ask how the journey was.
• Tell the candidate about your business. Then ask a question that lets the candidate do the talking.
• Be prepared to wait in silence for the candidate to speak.
• Use open questions that do not lead to a simple 'yes' or 'no'.
• Do not prompt the candidate to give you the answer you want.
• If the candidate seems evasive on any subject, probe a little deeper.
• Avoid personal questions that could be discriminatory. For example, about age, marital status, religion or belief.
• Suspend judgement until the end of the interview.
• Ask if the candidate has any questions.
• Check the candidate understands what is involved. Ask what appeals about the job.
• Check the candidate would take the job if offered it, and what notice is necessary.

5.3 Evaluate the candidate - against the criteria and then in comparison with the other applicants.

• Make your notes right after the interview (see 5.4).
• As well as general comments, give marks for each characteristic you are looking for. For example, presentation skills 3/10, IT literacy 10/10, and so on.
• Compare the candidate with what you need, not with yourself.
• Assess how the candidate would fit in.

5.4 Carefully consider each candidate and take care with notes you take during interviews.

Under the Data Protection Act candidates can ask to see any notes you have taken.