Five Steps to Follow When Interviewing New Team Members
Sunday, August 16, 2020, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
As a project manager, you have done all your project planning. It has been approved by the sponsors and you’re ready to start working on it.
When you’re about to execute the plan, you notice that you need compatible team members to work on the project. So you want to hire internally and externally.
These could be direct employee hires or contractors. You need to have a well-thought description of interview process which is extremely important. Even more so if the person will be a full-time employee.
Here are 5 simple rules to remember before your interview.
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Understand the job opening
Clearly define each job function and put it in writing. Sometimes managers interview a candidate and afterward wonder what position the candidate was being interviewed for. You can best evaluate the candidate if you have a mental picture as well as written description of what he will be doing.
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Understand your role
Different people usually have different roles and expectations in the interview process. For instance, you might be asked to comment on whether the candidate is a good personality fit for the team. You might also be asked to perform a technical interview. Each interviewer should understand whether he has specific interview expectations.
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Be prepared
Make sure that you have reviewed the candidate’s resume ahead of time. Jot down some questions that will allow you to gain insight into the person’s background and ability. You may also have additional questions that your company requires you to ask as part of a standard review process.
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Clear your mind
Do not go into the interview thinking about the sales promotion that is not going well or the problem you need to fix. While you are in the interview, focus on the discussion at hand.
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Ask and listen
Have you been to an interview where the interviewer did all the talking? That is not what you are there for. Instead, ask questions and listen to the responses. Ask follow-up questions when possible to keep a dialog going.
Involve your team members in the interview process
It is good if multiple members of your team are part of the interview process. In this case, there are two main formats described below: Courtesy of Project Management Tools.
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Revolving Door
The way it works is you get the candidate in a room and bring in the interviewers one at a time. Similarly the candidate can move from office to office to speak one-on-one with the interviewers.
This method gives everyone a chance to gain an independent opinion of the candidate from different perspectives and using different questions, but it does require a longer time commitment from the candidate.
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Spanish Inquisition
You get the interview team in one room with the candidate. This approach lets everyone hear the same story one time and is the most efficient use of the candidate’s time.
One drawback is that it can be very intimidating. You need to go out of your way to maintain a friendly and casual atmosphere.
Many people’s preference for a group interview is the Inquisition, since everyone hears the same story and it gives some indication of how well the candidate responds under some pressure.
In a Nutshell
Your company is relying on you to help ensure that qualified candidates are hired. This is an important job and should be taken seriously.
Whether you interview one-on-one or in a group, make sure you ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully to the responses. Then, be prepared to provide honest feedback during the interview debriefing process.
This increases the value you provide to the interview process and helps your company make good, long-term hires for the future.
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This column is © copyright to www.Method123.com and originally appeared in their weekly project management tip newsletter.
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