First, recognize that you bear a disproportionate amount of responsibility for the outcome of this meeting. The candidate across from you doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s new at this. So hold him accountable, but be realistic. If a candidate doesn’t provide long, detailed answers, don’t become resentful or confused. Just ask for more.
Explain the process to candidates as you go. Start each meeting by letting them know how the dialogue will work and what you’d like them to do. Use instructions like the following: “As I ask you about a series of skill sets, please explain how you’ve used these skills in your studies and extracurricular activities. Share any experience that might be relevant.”
Recognize that some of the problem-solving skills and traits you ask about are workplace-focused, and since these candidates have no workplace experience, they’ll have to draw answers from other aspects of life. Listen carefully, stay flexible, and read between the lines. Principles of conflict resolution often work the same way at summer camp as they do on the warehouse floor.
Stay focused on the skills that matter most, the ones that candidates should be expected to have regardless of their age and level of experience. These are usually 1.) problem solving skills, 2.) communication and people skills, and 3.) time management skills. Ask probing, open ended questions like “Can you tell me about a time when you were fair/ honest/punctual even though it was difficult?”
Finally, try to determine exactly why the candidate wants this job. Everybody wants work—we all need to pay our bills. But does the candidate care deeply about this field? Does she have clear ambitions that mark out a road map through the next five years of her career? Ask questions like “Why do you want to work here?”, “What interests you about this job?” and “What do you like to do when you aren’t working?” The answers she provides can offer valuable insight into her levels of motivation and determination.
Are you having trouble getting what you need from your entry level interviews? Contact the Houston, TX employment pros at Expert Staffing. We can help you control the conversation and tighten your screening and selection process.