Holding interviews and selecting new hires can be a daunting process. It’s challenging to know the best questions to ask, sometimes our nerves get the best of us, and we talk more than we listen, or we don’t allow ourselves to see the candidate for the person they are presenting themselves to be.
Choosing Unexpected Questions
One of my best tips is to think about the kinds of questions you are asking your candidates. I want you to ask unexpected questions. It’s not just about their work experience or their education, though those are important pieces. Even though you have to ask the run of the mill questions, I also want you to ask some unexpected ones, too.
Warm them up and get them talking by asking them, “What’s your favorite vacation destination?” Help them to not feel like they’re in the hot seat being grilled will help you to see the genuine side of their personality. “What is your one year, three year and five year career plan?” or “What is your preferred work environment like?” will provide great insight into how they’ll fit into your operation. And then pause, let them speak, and allow space for conversation.
Interactive Interviews
You want the interview process to be as two-sided and interactive as possible in order for your new client to have the opportunity to show you their stripes. The interview should be a thoughtful, interactive process. Use it as an opportunity to take note not only on their credentials but also their responses to hypothetical situations or body language they display during their questions.
You might want to ask the same question in different ways to see if you get different answers each time. You could write out scenarios and send them to the candidate in advance, asking them to respond specifically to these scenarios to give you a feel for how they’d handle them. You need to really pay attention to that candidate in your office, as they will reveal who they are through a variety of ways.
When you’re ready to take your design practice to the next level, explore your expert coaching and training options with Melissa Galt. To catch the entire podcast episode LISTEN HERE.
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