PREPARE

• Read through the CV, making notes and preparing questions.
• How does the CV compare to the job specification and technical skills needed.
• Determine the soft skills that are important for the role i.e. communication skills etc and ask questions around that.
• Ensure the environment is right for the interview i.e. somewhere private and quiet.
• If you are planning a panel interview – discuss format with the panel

INTERVIEW

• Introduce yourself and put the candidate at ease 
• Explain the format of the interview, timing etc. 
• Ask them if they know what they know about the Company
  • Talk to them in more detail about the company and explain the organisational structure etc and the reason for the vacancy (not giving too much detail about the actual role at this stage)
  • This is your chance to tell the applicant what it would be like to work for the company. This is where you sell the company to the candidate. 
• Ask the candidate to talk through their CV
  • Points to remember:
    • Keep control of the interview
    • Ask open/closed questions
    • Listen (don’t feel you have to fill in any silences)
    • Probe – can you explain, tell me more about that etc.
• Discuss the vacancy with them and ask questions regarding their suitability for the role (see interview questions)
• Ask interviewee if they have any questions

CLOSE

• Ask them if they are still interested in the vacancy
• Explain the next step, let them know when they will hear from you and thank them for attending.
• Make notes straight after the interview