How to Interview Like a Pro: When you are the Interviewer, Remember What it is Like.

The tables are turned

When you are interviewing a candidate for a position, remember what it was like to be interviewed. Even though this is a negotiation, it is important to have some empathy for what the candidates are going through and be fair in the process.

Here are some suggestions:

A. Let applicants know in a timely fashion when they are no longer being considered for the job.

I know that many employers do not contact applicants when they did not make the first cut or even after an interview. Even though Human Resources departments may be under-funded or under-staffed, I believe it is rude not to tell applicants they are no longer being considered for the position. I am old-fashioned about this, but it does tell a lot about a company that prides itself on its communication and it can't even send an email to applicants.

B. If there is a delay in the selection process, let the applicants know, especially the ones you have interviewed already.

I have made telephone calls to Human Resources after my own interviews and found out that: 1) the position is on hold indefinitely; 2) the position is no longer being funded; 3) the position is being merged with another vacant position; 4) the filling the position has been postponed until the next fiscal year; or 5) the supervisor of this position has left and no one knows whether it will be filled. So I think to myself, "when were you going to tell me?" The answer is, of course, "never."

As an interviewer, remember what it was like while you were waiting to hear whether you got a job offer. Everything is on hold in your life while waiting to see what happens. Keeping applicants informed is the right and courteous thing to do.

C. Always treat the applicant the way you would have liked to be treated.

There are certain positions where you need to know how an applicant reacts under pressure and that is legitimate. However, don't ask trick questions just to be funny at the expense of the applicant.

D. After Someone is Hired, Be a Mentor and Show the New Employee the Ropes

Remember when you were a new employee on the first day of the job. It can be intimidating, especially if no one tells you what is expected or what you are supposed to do. Assign a mentor or be one yourself so that the new employees feel welcome and have someone to ask when they have questions. This is a win-win because mentored employees are going to understand the position a lot more quickly than employees left to fend for themselves.

If you follow these golden rules of interviewing, you will still be negotiating like a pro.

Mary Greenwood, Attorney, HR Director and
Author, How to Interview LIke a Pro, winner of 13 book awards
www.marygreenwood.org