How do you conduct interviews?


 Theme: Interviewing  Role: Recruiter  Function: Human Resources

  Interview Question for Recruiter:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Recruiter: Finds and hires suitable candidates for job openings. This role falls within the Human Resources function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


  Example response for question delving into Interviewing with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Preparation: Before conducting interviews, I thoroughly review the job description and requirements to understand the role. I create a structured interview plan with a list of relevant questions
  •  Establishing Rapport: To create a comfortable environment, I greet candidates warmly and introduce myself. I explain the interview process, its purpose, and assure confidentiality
  •  Probing Skills & Experience: I ask open-ended questions to assess candidates' skills and experience related to the job. I delve into their previous roles, responsibilities, achievements, and challenges
  •  Behavioral Questions: I use behavioral questions to understand how candidates have handled specific situations in the past. This helps evaluate their problem-solving, communication, and decision-making abilities
  •  Technical Competence: For technical roles, I include questions to assess candidates' knowledge and proficiency in relevant tools, software, or industry-specific concepts
  •  Cultural Fit: I explore candidates' values, work style, and team dynamics preferences to ensure alignment with the company culture and existing team
  •  Assessing Motivation: I inquire about candidates' career aspirations, their reasons for applying, and their interest in the company. This helps gauge their motivation and commitment
  •  Candidate Questions: I provide candidates an opportunity to ask questions about the role, company, or team. This allows me to assess their curiosity, engagement, and understanding
  •  Note-Taking: During the interview, I take concise notes to capture key points, candidate responses, and observations. This helps in evaluating and comparing candidates later
  •  Closing the Interview: I summarize the interview, reiterate the next steps, and answer any remaining questions. I thank the candidate for their time and provide an estimated timeline for feedback
  •  Evaluation & Decision-Making: After the interview, I review my notes, compare candidates against the job requirements, and rate their performance. I collaborate with the hiring team to make a well-informed decision

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Interviewing skills: Assessing my ability to effectively conduct interviews
  •  Process knowledge: Evaluating my understanding of interview methodologies and techniques
  •  Communication skills: Determining how well I can engage and communicate with candidates
  •  Decision-making: Exploring my approach to evaluating candidates and making hiring decisions
  •  Bias awareness: Checking if I am conscious of and actively mitigating any biases during interviews

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Lack of structure: Not having a clear interview process or framework in place
  •  Bias: Showing any signs of bias or discrimination during the interview process
  •  Inadequate preparation: Not researching the company or the role before the interview
  •  Poor communication skills: Struggling to articulate thoughts or ideas clearly
  •  Inability to listen: Not actively listening to the interviewer's questions or interrupting them