Communication in the Job Interview: The Interviewer's Role

Advance Preparation: The Basis for an Effective Interview

The success of a job interview begins long before the candidate enters the room. Thorough preparation is essential for the interviewer.

This involves thoroughly researching the person to be interviewed, going beyond a simple reading of the resume to gather additional information to select the most relevant aspects.

It is crucial to formulate clear, open-ended and original questions in writing, and to order them according to their importance to ensure that key points are addressed, even if time is limited.

On the day of the interview, the environment should be arranged in an orderly, clean and well-lit space to create an atmosphere of professionalism.

The candidate's resume, which should have been previously studied, should be at hand along with a notepad for taking notes.

The Candidate's Reception: Creating a Climate of Respect

The first contact with the candidate is decisive in setting the tone for the interview. Punctuality is a non-negotiable rule of courtesy; keeping the candidate waiting conveys an image of disorganization and disrespect.

An appropriate verbal protocol should be maintained, addressing the candidate as "you" initially to set a professional tone, although later you can propose the "tuteo".

Looking the person in the eye is fundamental, as it shows interest, generates empathy and conveys confidence.

It is a common mistake to forget that the interviewer should also introduce himself/herself: it is important to indicate the position held and make a brief and objective presentation of the company.

Informing the candidate about the phase of the selection process in which he/she is in also helps to create an atmosphere of transparency.

Conducting the Interview: Guiding the Conversation

Once the right atmosphere has been created, the interviewer should guide the conversation in a structured way.

It is your responsibility to present the job in a clear and brief manner, defining your duties without ever misleading the candidate.

The interview is the time to inquire about any points on the resume that are not clear, such as the duration of previous contracts or the specificity of certain studies, and to bring up new topics based on the interviewee's answers.

At the end, it is important to take care of the farewell, ideally making a brief summary of the candidate's situation to close the meeting in a professional and thoughtful manner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid to Maintain Objectivity

To ensure a fair and effective selection process, the interviewer must be vigilant not to make certain typical mistakes.

One of the most common is to get carried away by the first impression, whether positive or negative, and allow it to condition the rest of the interview.

Questions of an ethical or personal nature should also be avoided, since the selection should be based on qualifications and not on the candidate's way of thinking.

A serious error of judgment is to discard an excellent candidate out of fear that he or she may be overshadowed in the company in the future.

Finally, it is crucial not to become overly enthusiastic about a candidate at the beginning of the process, as this can lead to a loss of objectivity and a failure to eva luate the other candidates with the same interest and rigor.

Summary

The success of a job interview begins long before the candidate enters the room; meticulous preparation is essential. This involves thoroughly researching the person and asking clear questions.

The first contact with the candidate is critical in setting the tone for the interview. Punctuality is a non-negotiable rule of courtesy; keeping the candidate waiting conveys an image of disorganization and disrespect.

Once the right climate has been created, the interviewer must guide the conversation in a structured manner. It is your responsibility to present the job in a clear and brief manner, defining your functions without ever misleading.