The Face-to-Face Interview

Before the meeting, arrange for two or three managers or trusted office personnel to meet briefly with the candidate. Ensure these individuals are peers or superiors to avoid any potential discomfort for the candidate.

It’s your responsibility to provide these managers with a copy of the candidate’s resume, relevant discussion topics, and a thorough understanding of the candidate’s reasons for interviewing. Choose managers who will make a positive impression and gather their feedback promptly after the meeting.

Remember, you are actively recruiting the candidate. Many strong candidates are currently employed and may be interviewing with other companies, including your competitors. While assessing the candidate’s qualifications is crucial, it’s equally important to be polite, courteous, and forthright in selling the position and addressing any questions they may have. Avoid interruptions during the interview to maintain professionalism and leave a good impression.

As the interviewer, you should be the first to meet the candidate and set a relaxed tone with an icebreaker, perhaps discussing a shared interest from their resume. Lead the discussion and control the interview process. Review the company’s history, future goals, the opportunity, and the reasons for the job opening. Ensure the candidate has a clear understanding and address any questions they may have.

Prepare some questions based on the candidate’s resume to evaluate their fit for the role:

• How do you manage your subordinates?
• What do you feel are your most significant accomplishments?
• Why did you leave your previous employers?
• Describe how your skills and experience relate to our opportunity.
• What is your impression of our current operations?
• Why are you interested in this opportunity?
• What do you like least/best about your current job?
• What are your near and long-term goals?

Avoid discussing compensation at this point. Your recruiter has already informed you of the candidate’s current earnings and has communicated your parameters to the candidate. Gather input from others and carefully consider an offer before presenting one.