How can a job interview be conducted successfully? This consideration has certainly been on the minds of many newly minted HR managers. And rightly so, because thorough preparation is crucial for a successful interview as an employer. Here is information on how to make a job interview professional: What questions are appropriate and permissible during the interview? What are the stages of the conversation? What are the typical contents of a second round of discussions? In addition, we present you with a checklist to ensure that nothing stands in the way of the perfect job interview.
Preparation is the be-all and end-all – also for the employer!
A structured approach to the interview is essential for the success of the recruitment process. This guide will help recruiters make the interview efficient and professional.
1. Logistical preparation:
- Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space that allows for undisturbed conversation.
- Participants: Determine in advance who will participate in the conversation and what role each will play.
- Seating arrangement: Provide a comfortable seating arrangement that allows for eye level and dialogue.
- Catering: Offer drinks and snacks to loosen up the atmosphere.
- Reception: Organize the reception of the applicant.
- Schedule: Allow enough time for the interview and follow-up.
- Application documents: Make sure that everyone involved is aware of the documents.
2. Questionnaire:
- Relevant questions: Ask questions that shed light on the candidate's qualifications, motivation, and personality.
- Open-ended questions: Formulate open-ended questions that encourage detailed answers.
- Urgency: Sort the questions by importance.
- Avoid standard questions: Do not ask questions that are already answered in the application documents.
Procedure of the interview:
Phase 1: Greeting and small talk
- Punctuality: Be punctual and greet the applicant in a friendly manner.
- Get to know each other: Take time for a short conversation to relax the situation.
- Introducing the participants: Introduce the people present and their roles.
- Overview: Give a brief overview of the course of the conversation.
Phase 2: The Interview
- Open-ended questions: Ask open-ended questions that will get the applicant talking.
- Active listening: Listen actively and ask specific questions.
- Notes: Take notes to capture important information.
- Interviews: Avoid cross-examination.
Phase 3: Presentation of the company
- Company culture: Convey the company's culture and values.
- Job Description: Introduce the duties and responsibilities of the job.
- Requirements: Explain the requirements for the applicant.
- Development opportunities: Provide information about opportunities for advancement and further training.
- General conditions: Name the working hours, salary and benefits.
Phase 4: Questions from the applicant
- Answer all questions honestly and transparently.
- Encourage dialogue and ask questions if necessary.
- No questions: Give the candidate time to formulate questions.
Phase 5: Completion and follow-up
- Summary: Summarize the key points of the conversation.
- Next steps: Inform the applicant about the next steps.
- Thank you: Thank you for the interview.
- Follow-up: Discuss the interview with the people involved and evaluate the applicant.
Tips for special cases:
- Leaders: Ask questions about leadership skills and team management.
- Second interview: Deepen what you have already learned and ask new questions.
Checklist:
- Preparation: room, participants, seating arrangements, documents, questionnaire
- Conversation: Greeting, Small Talk, Interview, Company
FAQs
How do I conduct a job interview?
For the structured conduct of a job interview, it is recommended to follow a guideline, but it can be flexibly adapted. It is advisable to follow this guide to get important information about the applicant and reveal relevant details about the company.
How long does a job interview take?
The length of an interview varies depending on the type of position. Interviews with young professionals are often shorter, while interviews with professionals or executives may take longer. After the applicant has said goodbye, there may be a debriefing interview with colleagues.
How do I prepare for a job interview?
Thorough preparation is crucial, both for the employer and the applicant. Logistical aspects (e.g. premises, participants, catering) as well as the questionnaire for the interview should be taken into account. A guide can help gather relevant information for the different stages of the interview.
How does a job interview work?
A job interview is typically divided into several phases: greeting with small talk, the actual interview with questions to the candidate, the introduction of the employer, and the opportunity for the candidate to ask questions. At the end of the interview, there is a farewell and a debriefing.
What to take with you to the interview?
It is advisable that you have the option to take notes. In addition, it is useful to have the application documents handy to clarify possible ambiguities.
Be prepared on time – just as you would expect candidates to be. In the first 5-10 minutes, the focus is on getting to know each other. Start the conversation actively, but avoid technical questions at first. Make sure you formulate open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple yes or no.
