Human Resources
Supervisor Policies and Procedures Manual
II. Hiring a new employee
H. Conducting the interview
Beginning the interview
- be open and friendly but not overly chatty;
- show the applicant where to sit, if it is not immediately obvious;
- introduce yourself, using your name and title; introduce other panel members;
- explain the process that will be used:
- how long is the interview scheduled for;
- if reading the questions, explain that you will be reading them so that all applicants are asked the same questions;
- explain that you will be taking notes of their answers;
- explain the format, for instance, asking questions first, brief explanation of the job, applicant asks questions, tour of the building, etc;
- when will a decision be made;
- will all interviewees be notified.
Facilitating the interview
- give the applicant your undivided attention;
- take notes of the applicant's responses;
- ask each applicant the same basic questions;
- avoid questions that elicit only a “yes” or “no” response;
- ask follow-up questions that encourage further conversation, such as "can you say more", "will you expand on that"; "I'd like to hear more about that"; "would you elaborate"; "can you give me more detail"; "could you give me an example";
- give non-verbal signals that you are listening, such as head nodding, eye contact, and leaning forward;
- avoid facial expressions, gestures, or words which are unduly sympathetic or disapproving;
- keep questions as short as possible, and avoid making speeches;
- avoid giving personal opinions;
- do not digress into sensitive, personal areas that are non-job related;
- maintain control of the interview, so that questions are answered without unnecessary digression;
- when asking role playing or situational types of questions, do not suggest the desired answer;
- allow silence.
Closing the interview
- ask applicant if he/she has any additional questions;
- give applicant any appropriate materials, such as a business card and the HR benefit brochure
- repeat what the next steps will be (when is decision made, etc);
- do not give the applicant false expectations;
- escort the applicant from the room.
last revised: 2/17/2012
last reviewed: 2/17/2012