Some good news on the jobs front lately with a couple of major job creation announcements in Ireland so, finding yourself on an interview panel is a likely prospect once again. Careers expert Eoghan McDermott answers your work-related questions on a weekly basis.
Hi Eoghan,
My company has started to hire again and I’m sitting on an interview panel for the first time next week. Any advice?
Dave, Galway
Hi Dave,
Get your briefs sorted. Typically, an interview panel will have a couple of roles to be filled. The chairman is responsible for greeting the candidate, introducing the panel and agreeing and ensuring that each member asks the correct questions in the correct order. It’s unlikely, if this is your first time that you’ll have this role but it’s vital you make sure someone does and they know what they’re doing.
Next, each member of the panel will be allocated areas to cover. How they are divided depends on company policies and style but it’s often dependent on the interviewers’ area of expertise. Don’t get landed, for example, asking technical questions if this isn’t your turf. You won’t necessarily understand the answers and you’ll have a difficult time probing those answers for extra information.
Be absolutely clear on how you’ll judge the candidates. Know the skills and experience required, the marking system for each one and any weighting system to be used.
Finally, make sure you know who is responsible for recording the interview and what method will be used.
Above all, remember to listen intently. If this is your first time, the risk is you’ll focus on your performance, not the interviewee’s. Keep your attention riveted on the candidate, not on yourself. And find the gem.
Eoghan
If you have a question about your job or career that Eoghan could help you with, why not email JOE at [email protected]?
Eoghan McDermott is Head of The Careers Clinic in The Communications Clinic and is the author of The Career Doctor- How to Get and Keep the Job You Want.
Contact Eoghan at [email protected]
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