Interview Tips for Hiring Managers

Everyone knows that hiring managers need help becoming better interviewers but training can be expensive and time-consuming.  There is an alternative, however, GIVE THEM GOOD TOOLS!  Structured interview guides that are customized to the unique demands of the job, based on core competencies, contain behavioral interview questions and target behaviors as well as rating criteria and scales and detailed instructions helps them stay focused and on-target. Structured interview guides help interviewers stay on track and doing what they should do best – listening! Here's a short video by author and Selection Expert, Anne Sandberg on using Interview Guides.

For example, consider our new interview guide for Paralegal/Legal Assistant. The job description was analyzed and core competencies determined for this job:

Ability to take Initiative/Responsibility
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Critical Thinking Ability
Organization/Planning Ability
Resourcefulness
Time Management Ability
Written Communication Skills

Then, two to three behavioral questions and a key target behavior for each is supplied with a place for notes. Here are questions/target behaviors for the competency: Analytical Skills

Interview Question 1: Give me an example of a legal problem you encountered. How did you take it apart, evaluate your options, and begin working on a solution, or argument?


Target Behavior 1: Formulates logical solutions to problems; constructs logical arguments in support of specific positions; evaluates solutions and arguments


Interview Question 2: Give me an example of a legal problem you encountered. How did you take it apart, evaluate your options, and begin working on a solution, or argument?


Target Behavior 2: Formulates logical solutions to problems; constructs logical arguments in support of specific positions; evaluates solutions and arguments

This method allows interviewers to have all they need to stay focused, on track and ready to go in the interview itself. And there is a place for notes so the guide can be edited and serves as documentation. A rating sheet contains the list of competencies to be rated and overall strengths and weaknesses reported. All in all, a complete package!

Check out our catalog of pre-packaged Interview Guides at http://store.readytomanage.com/store/c/4-Interview-Guides.aspx  If what you are looking for isn't there, let us know.  Email us at info@readytomanage.com with your job description and we'll prepare a custom guide for you.