How to improve your interviewing skills
Interviews have been defined as 'conversations with a purpose'. They are essential fact-finding management tools. Job interviews, discipline interviews, appraisal interviews, exit interviews - for managers, it is simply good sense to learn how to interview other people well. In the hands of an expert, an interview can be a short, straight path to the right answers. You can take that path by adopting the following proven practices...
1. Do your homework.
If you are unprepared for an interview, you'll make inefficient use of time, present a poor image, and struggle to obtain pertinent details. Don't try to start or muddle through an interview cold. Know exactly the purpose of the session, read and familiarise yourself with all relevant documentation, and prepare a set of questions or topics in advance.
2. Put the interviewee at ease.
Interviews can be stressful affairs. A relaxed setting, a warm welcome, and a few introductory pleasantries are enough to establish a friendly atmosphere. By doing all you can to reduce the intimidating aspects of the occasion and show genuine interest in the person, the more likely it is that you will get honest and detailed information - and, after all, that's the purpose of the exercise.
3. Remain focused on your objective.
Know in advance what facts and information you wish to obtain during the interview and frame your questions to get that data. Don't focus the session on yourself nor allow the interview to be sidetracked by irrelevancies.
