Enable Talent

Do You Really Know How to Interview?

Be honest, do you?

I know someone who went for an interview, all prepped and ready. First question:

❓ “Tell me something interesting about yourself.”

Fair enough. Bit of an icebreaker from circa1995 but never mind. But then the second humdinger of a question......

❓ “Tell me something else interesting about yourself.”

At this point, he is thinking are we doing fun facts or actually having an interview? After 45 mins of waffle and sometimes repeating questions, it was plainly obvious they had not prepped for the interview, doubtful they had even read the cv properly and it was definitely being conducted on the fly!

The outcome was this particular candidate really was not fussed about the role offering feedback along the lines of - "if that's how they interview I don't want to work for them!" He quickly moved on without giving the opportunity a second thought. Engagement and follow up from his side - zero, he genuinely could not care less if the feedback was good or bad.

If you’re not comfortable with interviewing, don’t wing it. Get someone else to lead or (a shameless plug) speak to me who can help.

I’ve written hundreds of interview questions and sat on panels with my clients. A well-run interview can be the difference between securing your ideal candidate and watching them walk away.

Don’t let a lack of preparation cost you the perfect hire and damage your brand in the market. In 2025 candidates will have more and more options available to them. It will be down to you to present your business, the opportunity on offer and get to know and understand the applicants' motivations. If you are interested you will need to sell, sell, sell around their motivations to secure your pick over your competitors!