Hire Winners: Avoid These 10 Interview No-No?s

Have you ever hired someone who did not live up to expectations? I'm sure many of us have at one time. The purpose of the interview is to obtain good information about an applicant to make a wise selection decision. It may sound simple but then why are there so many poor hires? The reason is that many hiring managers make 10 key interviewing errors that prevent them from hiring the best people.

Beginning an interview saying, "I haven't had time to really review your resume?so tell me about yourself."

Before every interview, study the person's resume to zero in on qualifications, to decide on what questions to ask and to make efficient us of the allotted time.

Asking for information you already have.

You ask, "Let's see, how long have you been in your current position?" This is a wasted question because you should know the answer from the application. The interview should be used to obtain new information and hone in on the applicant's capabilities.

Being afraid to ask tough questions.

If you uncover anything during the reference checking or employment history review that raises red flags, ask about it during the interview. It is important that you clear up any concerns before you reject or hire the applicant.

Overselling your company.

Many interviewers brag about how things are booming in order to lure an applicant on board. Do not paint an unrealistic picture of your company. Rather lay out the strengths and weaknesses putting them in perspective.

Allowing non-emergency interruptions.

Your office door should be closed. Put calls and messages on hold. Remember, the key purpose of an interview is to determine if this person is a good fit for the position. Don't waste this precious time on other matters.

Asking these popular but meaningless questions.

For example, What book would you want to have if you were stranded on a desert island? What animal would you be?" Rather, ask specific questions about an applicant's skills and experience.

Not spelling out the position requirements.

It is imperative that people know what is required of them before beginning a job. The interview is the time to outline the job's requirements, as well as your criteria for evaluating success in the role. Then the applicant can self-select out if not qualified.

Talking more then listening.

Wait for answers. Silence suggests that you expect more information. Listen with the third ear, the one that asks the questions: "What did the person really say? Why does he or she answer that way, and what does that tell me?"

Creating unnecessary tension.

If you deliberately try to catch the person off balance, you're not being fair to the applicant or yourself. You may get the pleasure of watching a person squirm, but are you getting a true picture of his skills and experience to make a wise hiring decision?

Forgetting the Golden Rule.

Treat every applicant the way you'd like to be treated with courtesy and respect. Appreciate the person's accomplishments even if they are not a match for the job. Always thank the person for her time and interest. As one applicant said, "The way you are treated coming in the door tells how you will be treated once inside."

Make the next interview count. Think back to previous interviews you have conducted. Did you make any of the above mistakes? If so, what can you do to improve your interviewing skills the next time around?

Marcia Zidle, the 'people smarts' coach, works with business leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ­ to grow and increase profits. She offers free help through Leadership Briefing, a weekly e-newsletter with practical tips on leadership style, employee motivation, recruitment and retention and relationship management. Subscribe by going to http://leadershiphooks.com/ and get the bonus report "61 Leadership Time Savers and Life Savers". Marcia is the author of the What Really Works Handbooks ­ resources for managers on the front line and the Power-by-the-Hour programs ­ fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development. She is available for media interviews, conference presentations and panel discussions on the hottest issues affecting the workplace today. Contact Marcia at 800-971-7619.

---

Agendas Make Meetings Productive

Having an agenda template that works well for you, week... Read More

Never Wrestle with a PIG

The business books at the library and book stores fill... Read More

A Comprehensive Sarbanes Oxley Act Summary

Individual and corporate security stand in the center of the... Read More

Status Quo Pep Talks That Can Threaten Your Leadership

Organizations live and die by results. Yet most organizations get... Read More

CEOs And Boards Are Locked In A Spiral Of Doom

American CEOs are dropping like flies. Boards, armed with new... Read More

Learn How To Get The Most From Your Team

Being a leader isn't easy. Every one looks to you... Read More

Lean Principles in Action

AbstractThe electrical products industry is one characterized by fierce competition,... Read More

Leadership Skill: How to Handle Difficult Conversations

A good leader has the ability to empower others. It... Read More

Innovation Management ? Diversity Can Make All The Difference

Companies are welcoming a diverse range of employees (The Sunday... Read More

Success in Business Means Managing Negative Emotions

You may have the MBA but if an internal critic... Read More

How To Jump Start Your Profits and Keep Your Profits Rolling

There are so many ways to jump start your prifits... Read More

Making Powerful Requests That Launch People Into Action

Do you ever wonder why people do not simply do... Read More

Difficult Staff - It Pays To Get To Know Them Better

It's very easy for a business owner or manager to... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: The Best Incentives are Free

This article relates to the Recognition competency, commonly evaluated in... Read More

Effective Meetings Begin With a Real Agenda

Everyone knows that an agenda is the key to an... Read More

Retaining An Expert -- What Every Business Owner Needs To Know

As an entrepreneur, hiring an expert can be one of... Read More

How to Build Your Business and Still Take Time Off

We all know people who are like human dynamos. They... Read More

Classifying Motivational Needs

While there exist several useful definitions of motivation, for our... Read More

5 Ways to Work More Effectively With Your Administrative Assistant

Stop hiring new administrative support staff. And learn how to... Read More

An Original Perspective on Waging Conflict as a Way to Promote and Restore Self-dignity

Conflict is a fact of life for all of us,... Read More

Outsourcing NOT Just for Big Business

Outsourcing has become a controversial issue and a hot topic... Read More

Characteristics/Attributes of a Lean Operation

Fundamentals in Place? There is a designated place for everything... Read More

Performance Appraisal Checklist: Raise Not Just Appraise Performance

It's that time again! Perhaps the most dreaded management practice... Read More

Problem Solving - Think Cleopatras Ass

Picture the scene. Anthony pops down to the guardhouse, partly... Read More

10 Ways New Managers Become Great Leaders

"It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder... Read More