How to Conduct Interviews

Transcript

[MUSIC] [BLANK_AUDIO] There is one job, no CEO should delegate. That job is interviewing. Larry Bossidy, who turned around Allied Signal, said that the most important role, of any manager, was interviewing. Jack Welch spent over 50% of his time hiring. Because getting the best athletes in your team is the thing that will lead your company to succes... Read More

Summary

This video highlights the importance of interviewing in the hiring process and emphasizes the need for structured and well-thought-out interview processes. It discusses the biases that can affect our judgment during interviews and provides strategies for becoming better interviewers.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is interviewing well important?

Interviewing well is important because it allows you to select and attract the best candidates. By conducting effective interviews, you can better assess a candidate's qualifications and make more informed hiring decisions.

Q: Why are we often bad at interviewing?

We are often bad at interviewing due to a lack of training and preparation. Despite recognizing the importance of interviewing, there is a lack of rigorous training provided in many companies. As a result, people often feel uncomfortable and unprepared when conducting interviews.

Q: What are some biases that can affect our judgment during interviews?

One common bias is the "similar to me" bias, where we develop an affinity for a candidate who shares personal characteristics with us. This can lead us to focus on shared backgrounds instead of the qualifications for the job. Another bias is confirmation bias, where we seek information that confirms our preexisting notions about a candidate. This can result in inconsistency in questioning and unfair treatment of different candidates.

Q: How does first impression error affect our interviews?

First impression error occurs when our initial snap judgments in an interview set the tone for the rest of the interview. This means that our initial impression of a candidate can color our perception of everything they say afterward, even if it might not be accurate or fair.

Q: How does overconfidence bias impact our interviewing abilities?

Overconfidence bias leads us to believe that we have better judgment than we actually do. This can prevent us from questioning our own biases and assumptions when making hiring decisions. We may not realize the extent of our own biases and the impact they have on our judgment.

Q: How can we become better interviewers?

To become better interviewers, it is important to prepare and follow a structured process. The first step is to carefully think about the job profile and the ideal qualifications for the position. The second step is to select candidates based on their resumes, focusing on the required education and experience. The final step is to devise a personalized interview plan that includes topics to open up the conversation and probing questions to assess the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role.

Q: Why is it important to focus on the qualifications for the job rather than personal preferences during interviews?

Focusing on the qualifications for the job ensures that we are selecting candidates based on their ability to fulfill the needs of the position. Personal preferences or shared backgrounds should not be prioritized over job requirements. Focusing on the qualifications helps maintain fairness and consistency in the interviewing process.

Q: How can probing questions help during interviews?

Probing questions, such as asking about a candidate's past experiences or how they handled difficult situations, can provide deeper insights into their intellectual ability, personality, and decision-making process. By asking follow-up questions, interviewers can avoid pre-canned answers and gain a better understanding of a candidate's qualifications and fit for the role.

Q: Why is it important to practice and train for interviews?

Practice and training are essential for improving interviewing skills. Just as top athletes spend months preparing and training before a race, interviewers should also invest time in practicing interview techniques and honing their judgment. The more interviewers practice, the better equipped they will be to select the best candidates for their teams.

Q: Why should companies strive to hire the best candidates?

Hiring the best candidates is crucial for the success of a company. Just like getting the best athletes on a team can lead to success, hiring top talent can drive innovation, productivity, and overall organizational performance. Investing in thorough and effective interviewing processes can help attract and select the best candidates.

Takeaways

The video emphasizes the importance of becoming better interviewers by implementing structured and well-thought-out interview processes. It highlights the biases that can affect our judgment during interviews and suggests strategies for overcoming them. By practicing and training for interviews, interviewers can improve their skills and attract the best candidates for their teams. Hiring the right people is essential for the success of a company, and thorough interviewing processes can help in making informed and effective hiring decisions.