Ensure clear instructions are sent to candidates/venue/map/times/expense procedure

Consider strategy for conducting interview   with other panel members

Interview at least 3 candidates

Put   candidates at ease by seating/lighting/writing/refreshment arrangements  

Consider existing knowledge of candidate if any and:

How can you use such information to confirm impression of candidate

Prepare a list of relevant questions to ask

Allow silences to see what candidate has to say

Consider inviting candidates to bring sample of work/portfolio to interview

If necessary:

Consider seeing candidate write something (while waiting) to check literacy

Consider asking candidate to make a few simple calculations to check numeracy

Consider asking candidate to read something prepared out loud

Prepare any other questions/tasks for candidates to perform

Allow long answers while it betrays information about candidate

Allow more than one of you panel to ask questions

Ask a core selection of identical questions to each candidate

Minimise the quantity of questions in favour of deeper discussion of those ones

Ask candidate if it is alright to contact referees directly

Respect candidate’s confidentiality

Remember that you are an interview candidate from time to time!

Possible interview questions:

Why did you choose this firm/profession/industry

Why would you like to work here

What have you learned about this organisation

Why did you leave/are leaving your current position

Do you know anyone who has worked here

Are you content with the working hours/can you be flexible if work so demands

How do you feel about working in a diverse (age, sex, ethnic) environment

What challenges do you anticipate in such an environment

What is you attitude to job appraisal/evaluation/training

What are you career goals/ambitions

What do you do for relaxation/hobbies/voluntary work

After the interview:

Decide quickly if any of the interview candidates are suitable

If not start shortlist again

Consider:

How each candidate presented themselves

How they conducted themselves/manner/openness/tone

How they handled the stress of the interview

How their answers matched their application form

Don’t decide at once. Allow time for reflection/discussion/

Revisit job description

Study references with great care/Check facts