Hiring Managers Can Ruin Your Interview

As a hiring manager, you're tasked with the responsibility of finding the best candidates to equip your company with qualified team members. This job can be taxing when you are overwhelmed with daily tasks. However, preparation is essential to making a good impression when interviewing qualified candidates. Avoid these mistakes to ensure you are making your company appealing to the candidate pool during the interview.

Neglecting to Review Resumes Prior to the Interview

Take your time to carefully analyze each candidate before they walk into the door. A hiring manager who spends time during the job interview reviewing cover letters and resumes can lead the qualified applicant to view the company as unorganized or unprepared. Instead of rushing through the interview unprepared, take a few moments while the candidate is waiting in the lobby to jot down questions directly related to the applicant's experience so you are able to uncover crucial information to make a final decision.

Working on Other Tasks During the Interview

Your job as a hiring manager is likely hectic, but when it is time to interview candidates, put everything else aside. Avoid answering phone calls, responding to emails or sorting through paperwork when an applicant is sitting next to you. Instead, give your full attention to the interview, make notes regarding responses, and listen intently to pick up on any red flags or noteworthy actions of the interviewee. Put your pending tasks on hold so that you are more in tune with the person you are interviewing, which ultimately prepares you more to make an informed decision when selecting a candidate.

Appearing Uninformed About Hiring Laws

Every professional in charge of interviewing potential employees should be fully aware of hiring laws. Arm yourself with information about gender and age discrimination so that your questions do not cross a line that can land the company in legal trouble. Focus on how you can offer the interviewee a fair chance at obtaining a position with your company. A hiring manager who appears to be digging for personal information often leaves a negative impression with applicants, which can ultimately send a well-qualified candidate to other opportunities.

Focusing on Yourself

Candidates attend job interviews to sell their skills and experience while also seeking information about the company. Avoid making this meeting about you and your own experiences or offering an overview of your role as a hiring manager. Instead, focus questions on the candidate and allow potential employees the opportunity to fully answer questions without interruption. Discuss the company as a whole, but keep your personal thoughts to yourself to avoid making a negative impression.

Know how to entice candidates with information about the company versus focusing on the hectic or chaotic nature of your role as a hiring manager. Make a positive impression, and uphold the values and mission of the company to entice the most qualified candidates.

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