Advertising a job and interviewing candidates

The more preparation you do for the interview, the easier it will be for both you and the candidate.

Plan the questions

• Plan questions that give the candidate the chance to talk about their experience.
• Ask about any information in their application that is not clear, or that you would just like to know more about.
• Know the job description and person specification well so that your questions help you compare candidates.
• If two or more people are interviewing, decide who will deal with what topics.
• Think about what information candidates may want about the job and your organisation.

Prepare questions that need more than a 'yes' or 'no' answer. For example:

• Tell us why you are interested in this job.
• What were/are your main responsibilities in your previous/current job?
• Why did/do you want to leave your previous/current job?
• Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
• Looking back at your career, what would you have done differently?

Making arrangements for the interview

• Make sure that the interview room is properly prepared.
• Find out if a candidate has any special requirements before they arrive.
• Make sure there will be no interruptions.
• Brief other members of staff, such as receptionists, to expect the candidate.
• Allow enough time for the interview so you don't have to rush.