Before, During and After the Interview

An interview is a smart choice before the final step in hiring the potential employee. Not only does it give the candidate a chance to reiterate their skills and qualifications, but it will also help the employer assess if he or she is the right fit for the company.

Location and Place
Before the actual interview takes place, the employer must decide on the location and time. Many choose to hold the interview at the location of the workplace, but if for some reason this isn’t possible (due to excessive noise or lack of space), a nearby café is also acceptable. Plan to schedule the future interviews during company work-hours; this is usually from early morning to afternoon.

Contact the Applicant
Second, extend the offer of the interview to the applicant. This can be accomplished through phone or e-mail. If the position must be filled quickly, it may be more efficient to call and speak directly in case a time must be rescheduled. If not, e-mail the potential employees the date and time. If planning on hosting more than one interview on a specific day, schedule candidates in 30 minute intervals. The interview process should last between 10-20 minutes per applicant.

Open-ended Questions
Be sure to ask open-ended questions during the interview. This gives the interviewee a chance to discuss other relevant experiences and skills that may pertain to the job. Keep notes on the pros and cons of every candidate, detailing on first impressions, and overall demeanor.

Follow-Up
After the interview, some applicants may do a follow-up with a Thank You Letter; this may or may not be vital in the deciding factor depending on the professionalism needed in the company. If there is more than one qualified candidate, the interview process can be repeated. If not, congratulations on finding the perfect employee for the position!