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The Interviewing Process: Do You Know the Rules?

Guest post by: Jennifer Loftus

Article Overview: As we draw closer to the summer, and spring semester of higher education creeps to closure, everyone in HR realizes that the time has come to prepare for the upcoming flood of job applicants. Are you up to date on the rules on conducting job interviews? Or, are you playing the role of the interviewee and don’t know the Do’s and Dont’s of interview etiquette? In this issue of Astronology, we will review the rules of interviewing-for both sides of the table.

The Interviewing Process: Do You Know the Rules?

As we draw closer to the summer, and spring semester of higher education creeps to closure, everyone in HR realizes that the time has come to prepare for the upcoming flood of job applicants. Are you up to date on the rules on conducting job interviews? Or, are you playing the role of the interviewee and don't know the Do's and Dont's of interview etiquette? In this issue of Astronology, we will review the rules of interviewing-for both sides of the table. Ready, Set, Interview!

"The potential for liability at the interview stage in the hiring process is tremendous," states an article at HRHero.com. As stated in the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 discrimination of a potential employee's race, color, religion, citizenship and age are not tolerated. It is also important to inquire into state laws of employment as well as some states have more extensive laws. Needless to say, when interviewing a potential employee it is highly important not to become invading when asking questions. Try to stick close to what the job description requires of an employee to full the position. If the employee is a match for the company, the personality will show in the interview.

To help the interviewee relax, start the interview off warmly by shaking their hand, perhaps offering refreshments and ask how was their commute to the interview site. Inquiring about education, job experience and previous employment will help keep the interview on task and reduces chance of liability. Another preventive step is to ask all interviewers the same questions. This keeps all interviews fair and rules out the possibility of someone feeling like they were treated unfairly. Keeping diligent notes for later deliberation will be helpful as well. Job-Interview.com, a website on the public service employees network gave several tips in regards to the interview process through J. Still, author of High Impact Hiring:

o To detect if an interviewee is lying inquire that they give an example of a work experience related to the inquired skill or trade. While the employee is responding, probe for more details and take notes. Afterwards, inquire on whom you could speak to in order to verify the information.

o An interviewee may be rambling on because they may not fully understand what you are asking them...or they may not have the skill/experience you inquire of. To make sure it is the former and not the latter, politely interrupt the nervous interviewee by saying, "Allow me to clarify what I am asking..."

o Remember not all non-verbal signs are universal. Some are ascribed to cultural definitions. It would be unwise to rely strictly on an interviewee's body language during the interview.

On the Opposite End of the Table

As we all are aware, during the interview process, the star of the show is really the interviewee. Their poise, responses to inquiries, and imagery are all under scrutiny. Some suggestions offered include, having a basic knowledge of company background through researching about the company beforehand, having at least one question to ask the interviewer, and practicing interview behavioral skills with friends and family. As regards to clothing, solid colors are always safe with professional attire as well as limited jewelry, and moderate shoes. Use of words should also be considered. HR People recently listed several interview phrases that are often overused:

o "I'm Really Hard Working"

During job interviews everyone is hard working. To separate yourself from the pack, state examples of how you are hardworking. Do you stay late to complete projects? Take on extra assignments? Do you take the initiative?

o "I Am Loyal to Fault"

With a semi-recovering economy, anything can happen. If six months into the employment you become dissatisfied and decide to leave, it would look quite unprofessional reflecting back on the interview where you advocated loyalty. Instead, be honest about your professional goals and how working at the organization will help further those goals.

o "I Wasn't Appreciated At My Last Job"

By saying this, you are triggering the interviewer to wonder why you and your former employer did not get along. Even if it is not your fault, the very notion also could signify to the interviewer that you may perhaps be too difficult to work with.

Interviewing is never easy on either side of the table. By each person being aware of what is expected of each other, the interview process can be easy, perhaps even enjoyable. By being conscious of what the organization requires of the position, the interview should stay on target and will help the interviewer and interviewee realize if there is a possible fit, or addition to the organization, making it successful.

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Article Tags: astronology, civil rights act, civil rights act of 1964, conducting job interviews, deliberation, education job, high impact, hiring process, interview etiquette, interview stage, interviewee, interviewers, job description, job interview, preventive step, ready set, refreshments, spring semester, state laws, title vii of the civil rights act



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