In this issue we look at best practice in interview techniques; how to put a stop to those night-time worries and writing press releases that get your business the promotional hit it needs.

• Editor's Desk
• Bite 1
• Bite 2
• Bite 3
• Working Web
• Last Word

The Do’s and Don’ts Of Interviewing

DO allow the person plenty of time to think and speak. Provide plenty of opportunities for them to expand their answer, giving additional information.

If you get a long and rambling answer, check you’ve understood the point being made by asking a summarising question. “So in short, what you’re saying here is that ...?“

DON’T cut off an answer in mid flow. If someone is going off at a tangent, bring the conversation back on track with your next question.

DO press for details - don’t allow woolly or generalised answers. Push for ‘I’ statements from the candidate - I believe, I think, I want...

Do take lots of notes and remember to write down exactly what the candidate is saying. They should be doing 80 per cent of the talking.

DO use the job description you drew up to ensure you’ve explained the role properly and asked all the relevant questions.

DO maintain an objective non-biased attitude, avoiding snap judgements and first impressions. Assess the candidate later, not during the interview. Concentrate on gathering information.

DON’T ask intrusive personal questions or illegal and possibly discriminatory questions. For example, you are not allowed to ask candidates about their age, sexual orientation, race, religion, or political and social affiliations. You can’t ask if they are married, in a civil partnership or planning to have children - or ask about their partner‘s background. Any questions on disability must refer ONLY to the applicant’s ability to do the job.

DO give the candidate the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.

DON’T make promises you know you or the firm can’t keep or deliberately give a misleading impression of the working conditions or the prospects for promotion, salary increases, bonuses or training.