“What are your greatest strengths?” 
“What makes you the right candidate for this job?” 
“What are your weaknesses?”
“Why do you want to leave your current job?”

 

We have all asked these interview questions many times, and they’re reasonably reliable, but there are simple tools, used and fine-tuned by the experts, that can help make a job interview even more effective and informative, to identify whether a candidate is really the best match for your company and the job they’re being interviewed for.

The Supreme Jobs team has extensive experience in recruitment, and these are some of our top tips to provide greater insight and confidence in your hiring decisions. 

 

1.Be prepared 

 

It’s easy for details of various roles and candidates to blur, especially if you’re conducting many interviews for various different jobs within the company, and managing other responsibilities at the same time. 

Even the most experienced interviewers do their background work, re-reading the candidate’s resume and cover letter, the job description, and any additional information provided such as a portfolio or references. 

This is also a good time to prepare a set of questions, based on your requirements and the information that has been provided. 

 

 

2.Ask the right questions, and listen for honest, enthusiastic answers

 

This could include some of those popular interview questions, but be sure to choose questions that will provide relevant answers, rather than challenging the candidate for the sake of asking difficult questions. 

Make a note of any queries you have about their experience and work history, or anything from their resume that needs clarification. 

When you ask something like, “Why do you want to work here?” listen to the way that question is answered. Some candidates will prepare all the right words, but their tone and eye contact can tell you if they really mean it. 

We don’t like to look for faults, but it is important to note any inconsistencies, especially if the topic turns to issues such as gaps in employment or leaving a previous job. These can be perfectly fine, and certainly aren’t red flags as a rule, but the way a candidate explains them can tell you a lot about their approach to challenges or difficult situations. 

 

 

3.Ask for real-life examples 

 

Asking if someone has a skill like time management is plain and simple, but asking for an example of how they have put that skill to use provides far greater insight. Ask for a real-life example of a task or action that is relevant to the job they’re applying for, such as their approach to starting a project, how they have handled a shortage in tools or materials, how they have dealt with an angry customer, or how they helped to build company culture and team spirit in recent roles. 

 

4. Be interested in the person

 

Who are they outside of work? It isn’t appropriate to get too personal in an interview, so avoid asking about relationships or family unless they begin that conversation, but you can ask how they feel about an aspect of the job, or if they enjoy football or live music, as the company has groups that engage in  those activities. 

 

 

5. Remember that the candidate is also interviewing you!

 

Some candidates will only be thinking about the job and getting started, but many are working on goals and a career path, and they’ll want to be sure that they and your company are a good match for one another. Your enthusiasm and positivity during an interview can influence that of the candidate, especially if they’re a little nervous. Being positive and welcoming can make a significant difference to the responses you receive, as well as to their impression of the company and the role they’re applying for.

Portraying the role and company in a clear, positive light can secure the best match for your business, and it’s worth making the effort to begin a long term success story. 

Of course, bringing the right candidates to be interviewed means finding the best matches, and attracting the best applications that fit your requirements. Supreme Jobs is here to help with that every time, providing one of the most sophisticated digital recruitment platforms available, with a database of over _____ quality, up-to-date resumes – all just a few clicks away. 

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