In HR, we’re tasked with hiring the best
and brightest – it’s one of the most important
parts of the job, because, as we
all know, a business is only as good as
its people. However, recruiting the right
personnel can also be the most challenging
part of the job.
HR professionals come across a lot
of great and not-so-great candidates, recruiting
for all manner of positions.
Interviewers also ask a lot of great and
not-so-great questions.
Professionals who are earlier on in their
careers can fall into the trap that many
newbies in the industry find themselves
– not being direct enough and asking too
many questions that cover off the same
trait. While it’s important to dedicate a
good chunk of time to each candidate to
ensure that you’ve fully vetted them, it’s
also important to be realistic and cognizant
of the investment that comes along
with it. Interviews take time, and time
equals money.
As important as it is to be thorough, no
one has time to play 20 questions when
conducting a job interview – it’s no fun for
you or the candidate.
communication
It pays dividends to get straight to the
point, rather than play hard to get. This
may seem easier said than done, but it
can be as easy as applying a few simple
rules to every interview. In return,
you’ll quickly be able to start establishing
the vitals: is this person the right
fit for my organization’s needs and our
culture? Do they have the right qualifications?
Will they perform well under
pressure? And what will they bring to
the business?
THREE WAYS TO GET STRAIGHT
TO THE POINT WHEN
INTERVIEWING
1. DOES THE QUESTION TIE
DIRECTLY BACK TO THE ROLE?
Every role has its own nuances. With the
growing trend of dynamic teams and more
integrated approaches in the workplace,
many employees are taking on more than
ever before, and job descriptions – across
varying industries – are no longer clearcut.
This can make it difficult to pinpoint
the types of skills that are required versus
ones that are nice to have.
Stop
Playing
Hard to
Get
THREE WAYS TO GET
STRAIGHT TO THE
POINT
By Lee-Martin Seymour
Julia Tim/Shutterstock.com
HRPROFESSIONALNOW.CA ❚ JULY 2017 ❚ 33
