It’s not always the candidate that is nervous when it comes to hiring a new person. As the interviewer, you may be nervous as a lot depends on how you conduct the interview. Ask the right questions and decipher the best candidate and your team will be happy, but make mistakes and you may have to fire someone before too long.
While you’re interviewing, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
· Don’t be afraid to make the interview as long or as short as you necessary. There are no set guidelines on length as long as you clearly spell out the anticipated length of the interview and as long as the time is spent wisely.
· Don’t talk too much. You might think anticipating their questions is a good way to interact, it isn’t. This is a classic case of an interviewer who loves to hear their own voice. Try to say about one word for every ten spoken by the person being interviewed.
· Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. If you find anything during the reference check or employment history review process that is worrisome, don’t be scared to ask about it during the interview. This is the time to hear their side of the story and see how they react to your honest questions.
· Don’t be afraid to spell out the requirements of the position. Candidates should know what is required of them before accepting the job. The interview is a perfect time to let them know what you expect, what they will be doing, and answer their questions. Some of their concerns may be deal-breakers for them, and if you don’t answer in detail, you might hire them under false pretenses.
· Don’t put the applicant on the defensive. There is no point in creating unnecessary tension during the interview. Knowing an applicant’s personality strengths and weaknesses is vital to making the best hiring decision. Keep things positive so the candidate remains comfortable and talkative. You can learn a lot about someone when you let them talk.
· Don’t allow yourself to be interrupted. Too many interviewers allow the interview to become disjointed by not taking steps to prevent interruptions. Close your door, let your team know you’re doing interviews and work to be present in that moment.
· Don’t oversell your company. A strong interviewer will lay out the strengths and weaknesses of the firm, putting them in perspective. Do not paint an unrealistic picture of your company in order to lure an applicant on board.
If you want to interview some of the best candidates in the healthcare field today, contact the team at WSi Healthcare. We will provide you with vetted candidates who would be a good match for you and your needs.