Here’s how to cut the time you spend in taking interviews to half — things I learned from taking 200+ interviews
Confused whether that one candidate should be a Yes or No? Or, not sure if the interview needs an extension? Or, you don’t know how to structure the interview process?
Well, in my 4+ years of taking interviews (with 10+ University campus placement drives); here’s what I learnt about taking interviews. And you can also use it to increase the efficacy of your interview conducting process.
[Pre-Interview]
1. Define 4-5 must have skills. These are skills which you are looking for in a candidate (or as per job profile). Parameters could be like curiosity, technical knowledge, explanation skills or, integrity. Focus on the skills which matter the most and maintain the focus on these during the interview.
2. Review the resume. Read it and analyse it. You’ll get a good idea about candidates' fit to the role. Figure out doubts that you have. Prepare questions that you need to clarify during the interview.
[During Interview]
1. Ease things for the interviewee. Candidates are usually nervous. Be human. Have small talk, carry a smile, ask them about their day. It will give you an idea about a person’s current state of mind. They also feel relaxed and perform better. You’ll be able to judge them better.
2. Judge the intelligence first. If your candidate lacks intelligence, regardless of technical expertise, working with them can pose challenges. Or, if the candidate is intelligent, they can always learn the technical things. If it’s a negative assessment at this point, it’s a complete rejection.
3. Discuss topics where your candidate is confident. Counter-intuitive but hear me out. This gives you and candidates both a good chance to figure out strength & weaknesses.
4. Ask open-ended questions. Such questions give you a chance to analyse the depth of a person’s knowledge about any topic. It helps you identify the skill-set & thought process of a person. E.g. What do you know about Car engines & torque power?
5. The most important question. Ask yourself "Would I ever like working with this person in my team?”. If the answer is no, then it’s a no.
If you follow these steps, you can reduce the time you spend in taking interviews to half.
