Some people love being a part of an interviewing team and some people would rather gnaw their left arm off to get out of holding a single meet and greet. Whichever camp you happen to belong to, keeping these points in mind can help make the process easier and more enjoyable for all those involved.
Once you know an applicant has met the threshold educational and experiential requirements, do what Diane Gottsman, the owner of The Protocol School of Texas recommends: “Look past the resume and the standard interview Q&A to see if the candidate has the mindset to be successful at your company.”
Awareness Of Language
Pay attention to the language the candidate uses when answering your questions. Are they constantly framing their answers in a positive or a negative light? As well, pay close attention to the questions they ask you about your company and its goals. A curious applicant denotes a candidate who is interested in the bigger picture. This type of inquisitive thinking from a prospective hire can potentially add value to your organization.
Response To Pressure
How a potential new hire handles themselves in the lion’s den of an interview can yield great insight into their ability to be graceful under pressure. Will a slight delay or shift of venue derail their concentration? Do they roll with the punches if the interview is interrupted? Sometimes a well planned knock on the door can reveal a wealth of information about a potential hires ability to be flexible.
Creativity And Humour
Glance at the accessories a person is wearing for some insight into their personality. For example: is there a pair of bright purple socks peeking out from under a conservative trouser suit? Is that pin on their jacket really of a winking squirrel and not the demure Canadian beaver you at first thought? A expressive personality can be a great addition to your company if you value interpersonal relationships, which is where creativity and humour work together to act as the glue that binds successful teams.
Community Involvement
Listen carefully for any extracurriculars mentioned if the new hire is fresh out of school. Did they spend all of their time in the library, or did they make time to contribute to campus life? If the new hire is more experienced, see if they are currently involved in any way with community organizations. Involved people are well rounded people and are able to draw inspiration and skills from a number of sources, something every company can benefit from.