The Interview Process: What Should Business Owners Look For?

When your business is looking to hire, regardless of the circumstances, there’s a lot that goes into the process.

Adding someone to your team is a big decision. It takes much thought and consideration to determine the perfect candidate for the job. It’s usually not something that you can make a quick decision about and move on.

Your team is a crucial part of your business. It is comprised of people you’ve determined will succeed in the role, develop their skill set and help grow your company. The goal is for your employees to share in your business vision.

You want to have a variety of skill sets among your employees in order to have a well-rounded team. They will most likely each have very different personality types, but should be able to learn how to gel and work together in order to be successful as a whole.

There is a plethora of content out there regarding how to do well in an interview. As someone who is looking for a job, there are many common suggestions for successfully interviewing. Dress to impress. Don’t chew gum. Have some extra printed resumes on hand. Smile and be yourself. The list goes on.

However, there are some things to remember on the end of the business owner as well. The one seeking employment should not be the only one prepared.

Pre-Interview Process

Make sure you do your research. Whether you do this task yourself or delegate it to one of your employees, it is important. Look over the candidates’ resumes thoroughly and write any questions, notes, observations, or talking points that you’d like to bring up in the interview.

Once you have a list of resumes compiled, it is also a good idea to search the candidates’ names on social media. Sometimes looking through online profiles is a helpful way to narrow down to the top potential hires.

What Should You Look For During the Interview Process?

Part of what you’ll be looking for during an interview will depend on the responsibilities of the position you’re seeking to fill. If you’re seeking an administrative assistant, you’ll of course be looking for a bubbly personality along with natural organizational skills. On the other hand, if you’re trying to find a marketing manager, you’ll be looking for someone who has ample marketing experience and great networking skills.

When it comes to conducting interviews, there are a few things that you should be looking for as a business owner, no matter what the job title is.

1. Passion – During the interview, you’ll be able to spot passion. It will just ooze out of the interviewee. When they begin talking about their personality type, strengths, and why they want the job, you will be able to see it. In this blog written by Sue Miley, she talked about there being a sparkle in their eye. You can tell when someone interviewing is special and sincere. “In the end, you don’t just want someone who needs a job. You don’t even want someone who wants a job. You want someone who wants the job you have. Whose eyes light up when they talk to you about it.”
2. Longevity – Do you see this person at your company long term? Do you notice patterns of loyalty to businesses on their resume? You wouldn’t want to hire someone that will just put in their two weeks notice within the year. Of course, you can’t always tell if someone will stay long term because life happens. However, you can tell if someone is loyal and consistent.
3. Work Ethic – Whether you’re looking for a marketing assistant, a head chef, a waitress or a salesman–you will want whomever you hire to possess a strong work ethic. A work ethic is more than just being on the job and completing the hours. “It implies a moral obligation to try really hard while you are at work.  Whatever the project or job at hand, a person with a strong work ethic will think about the work before them and diligently work toward the efficient and successful completion.” Can you tell that your interviewee possess a strong work ethic? If not, make sure to ask when conducting reference checks.
4. Communication – Possessing good communication skills is incredibly important. At work, problems will arise, issues will occur. You will want your employees to be able to have clear communication with you, with your clients and with your team. This will come in handy, especially when addressing performance issues and when you are in need of project updates.

And remember this: No matter how desperate you are to fill a position, don’t hire the first person that walks in the door.

That person very well may be the perfect one for the job, however, you must stick with the process. The candidate you thought you loved may become a blur after interviewing the next one that walks through the door. You never know who is going to blow you away. So, I encourage you to follow through your process and be patient. You don’t want to make the wrong hire.

If you are in need of recruiting assistance, contact [email protected]. From creating job listings to setting up interviews to conducting reference checks, we’d be happy to help you fill that important spot in your company.