New to conducting interviews? Preparation is key to ensuring that your conversation is meaningful and productive. Don’t stress the process, however. Here are some interview tips you can use to alleviate anxiety and focus on your potential new hire.

Prepare a list of questions in advance

You know the qualities you’re looking for in a candidate and you may think questions will fly off your tongue. While this isn’t impossible, those new to interviewing someone will probably find themselves freezing up when face-to-face with their potential employee. Do your research in advance. If questions are escaping you during preparation, do an online search. There are lots of great resources to help ensure you don’t just have questions to ask but are asking the right questions. (Some revealing, non-cliché questions here).

Fully understand the job you are seeking to fill.

Preparation isn’t just key for the interviewee. One of the most basic but often looked over interview tips is to simply understand the job you’re hiring for. Rick Gonzales, General Manager at TruPath adds, “It may sound obvious, but an interviewer that just goes in with a list of questions without actually understanding the role they are looking to fill can easily get thrown off their game with a curveball question coming from the candidate. Also if possible, bring a buddy! Have someone with experience conducting interviews sit in as well. They can be there as a safety net in case the conversation starts getting off track.”

Familiarize yourself with the candidate’s resume

This person has made it to the interview stage, so you likely already know a bit about their background. But perhaps they were prescreened by a colleague, or you really just glanced at the background initially but were blown away by their cover letter. Whatever the case may be, be sure to be able to speak to where they’re coming from. You’ll avoid darting your eyes all over the page for details while trying to maintain a meaningful discussion.

Take Notes

You may have a mind like a sponge, but bring something to take notes with anyway. Key points may come up during the interview process that you’d like to revisit either in that same meeting or later on. Don’t just assume you will remember. You can even take it a step further and jot down key points that come up for each question.

Don’t be afraid to deviate from the script

Only so much preparation can be done for what will turn into an organic conversation. Having prepared questions and talking points is important, but don’t feel married to that. If a follow-up question pops into your head, go with it. It may lead the conversation in a different direction, but you will be able to better learn about the candidate as answers reveal themselves. If the discussion is not as fluid, don’t sweat it. You are still armored with your pre-packaged inquiries.

Hopefully, these are helpful ways to ensure you both assess the candidate and represent your company in the best way possible. For general hiring assistance, contact TruPath today. In business since 2001, we have the experience to quickly and effectively assist in finding the talent you need.