In hiring interviews, legal issues aren’t the only important ones

Hiring interviews have become such legal minefields that managers conducting them may neglect some of the other basics. Here’s a reminder of four musts when interviewing prospective employees:

• Minimize interruptions. Tell people to stay away – and program your phone to go to voicemail without ringing – during the interview.
• Be punctual. Candidates are nervous enough without being kept waiting. If you’re going to be more than 10 minutes late, break off what you’re doing and give the candidate an estimate of how long you’ll be.
• Avoid potentially controversial topics. As you begin, don’t assume politics or even sports teams are areas of common ground. You may be able to touch on these later.
• Watch those names. The resume says “Robert.” But before charging in and addressing him that way, ask if it’s Robert, Bob, or something else.

Source: “96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire,” by Paul Falcone.

photo credit: sillygwailo