By the time you pare down a list of applicants to the final contenders and bring the candidates in for interviews, it’s probably hard to tell them apart. They most likely have similar education and work backgrounds, so your interview skills are what will help you make your final choice. How can you be sure you’re making the right decision? Here are some signals to keep an eye out for:
Pay attention to body language. An ideal candidate projects honesty and confidence. Is there eye contact? Are they sitting up straight? Did they dress and groom themselves appropriately for the interview? Nonverbal cues can often say more than the words a candidate uses, so don’t forget to take them into consideration.
Listen for details. Vague answers are not a good sign. Either a candidate hasn’t prepared for an interview and is improvising, or they’re trying to skirt a question that doesn’t paint them in a favorable light. If they’re talking a lot without really saying much, consider it a red flag.
Are they interested in your company? Of course a candidate is well within their rights to discuss compensation in an interview, but if they jump to the topic of money or perks before they’ve expressed any interest in your company, it can be an indication that their priorities aren’t where you want them to be.
Did they badmouth their old company? Word of mouth travels quickly regardless of the industry you’re in, so you don’t want to hire someone who will be bashing you in their next job interview. Make sure that the candidate you’re thinking of hiring handles any questions about former positions with poise and avoids anger or bitterness.
Looking to take the mystery out of finding the right candidate? A specialist at Burnett’s Staffing could be the solution to your problem. We’re one of the most experienced hiring firms in the Dallas Fort Worth Metro area, and we’d love to help you bring your next employee onboard. Contact us today to get started!