by Beth | Dec 19, 2011 | Interview Process
So you have a leaky faucet. It drips, drips, drips until eventually you have allowed a corroded pipe and a higher water bill. Not investing in the development of your interview process can work in much the same way. 
The overall health of your company relies on capable people. The actual hiring of these people is a simple yes or no question. The real work of staffing begins with a strategic interview process and a well trained interviewer. Without this, you may begin to erode the inner workings of your company.
- Begin with the job ad. Really describe the ideal person for the job.
- Create a new job description
- Select and prep the interview team
- Prepare a communication process that is respectful to candidates.
- Determine criteria for selecting the top candidate and define a system to communicate with those who were not chosen.
By approaching your new hire from a well defined and strategic position, you will make better decisions and hire staff that will strengthen your company. Any process that skips these critical steps will simply corroded your pipes. Drip, drip, drip.
by Beth | Dec 8, 2011 | Adventures in Interviewing
I placed a call to a candidate to invite her in for an interview. The message said “Please enjoy the music while your party is reached!” Then, I heard the song “Take this job and shove it.” Need I say more? Listen to the clues that people give you before, during and after the interview. You will be amazed at what you will learn.
by Beth | Dec 7, 2011 | Interview Process
Last fall, I recounted a story about “The Winker,” an inappropriate event that occurred during one of my interviewing sessions. A female candidate had winked at my client during the interview process, making him feel very uncomfortable. Although the candidate was very qualified, we did not hire her because of the discomfort experienced by all who were involved. Well, folks, you won’t believe this, but I had another instance of a winker at the interview table! Not only did she wink at my client, but the top button of her blouse popped open!
I cannot stress enough than an interview is not the time or the place for sexual overtures and “Janet Jackson” style uniform malfunctions. As an interviewer and coach, I certainly see inappropriateness from both men and women. Remember, if you are the employer and uncomfortable in any way about a candidate, listen to your discomfort, regardless of how qualified the candidate may appear. This type of behavior in an interview could be a sign of things to come, including a sexual harassment suit.
by Beth | Nov 18, 2011 | Adventures in Interviewing
As I sat at the interviewing table looking out the window, a driver in large brand new pickup truck came squealing into the parking lot, veered into a parking spot and slammed on his brakes. He threw open his door, climbed down from the truck and dropped his pants. He was wearing boxers and an undershirt. He removed a collared, button down shirt from a package, threw it over his shoulders, and proceeded to tuck it in, never knowing that he had an audience. As he ran in the door, apologizing that he was late, I realized this gentleman was our interviewee. He continued to button his shirt throughout the interview, stayed for 5 minutes then declared that he wasn’t interested in this job and left.
We can really appreciate that he came to the interview to let us know his thoughts on the job. He didn’t just blow off the interview, which shockingly happens a lot. While he at least made an appearance, I doubt it was the appearance he intended. When examining candidates for your open job position, watch for clues in their behavior to tell you the type of employee you will be hiring. This gentleman was a good example of someone who may struggle with organization, time keeping and professional appearance.
by Beth | Nov 10, 2011 | Interview Process, Selecting Good Candidates
Last summer, I was knee deep in the interviewing process for one of my clients. We had been through several candidates looking for the perfect A-list player for their team. The last interview of the day looked incredibly promising! The woman who sat across form us was qualified, both technically and culturally. As the candidate began asking her questions, she leaned over and winked at my client!
In my line of work as an interviewer, I see way more sexual inappropriateness from women than I do from men. If you as the employer are uncomfortable in the interview, then you will really be uncomfortable when they are on your payroll, no matter how “qualified” they are.
