The Hindu Business Line : <I>Ask the right interview questions </I>

Not knowing what you are looking for is the first of `top 10 hiring mistakes'. Next culprit is `inadequate interview preparation'. Other sins include `hiring too quickly', `hiring people just like you', `using only one interviewer', and `not checking references thoroughly'.

Outlining these in chapter 1 of `How to Choose the Right Person for the Right Job Every Time,' Lori Davila and Louise Kursmark declare that hiring is `a top strategic business priority'. The book, from Tata McGraw-Hill (www.tatamcgrawhill.com) , is a guide to transform your hiring process into `an unbiased system proven to decrease turnover and help your company stay competitive.'

Intro is categorical that the most important aspect of hiring top performers is "asking the right interview questions and properly evaluating the data gathered during interviews." To those who don't know what to ask, the interview process can only end with `more questions than answers'.

The book helps, with 401 sample questions covering 50 competencies such as adaptability, analysis, conflict management, deadline responsiveness, fact-finding, interpersonal skills, listening, resilience, versatility, and written communication.

`Take the guesswork out of hiring with behaviour-based interviewing,' urges chapter 2. In such an interview, questions are open-ended, and usually begin with `Tell me about a time when... ' or `Give me an example of when... ' During interview, maintain rapport with the candidate, advise the authors. "Be supportive, and provide guidance."

Another important success tip for interviewers is about handling silence, because "when you ask a behaviour-based question, you may hear nothing while the candidate thinks." What to do then? "Let the silence go on for about five to ten seconds before defusing the situation." A refreshingly different read.

http://BookPeek.blogspot.com

D. Murali