Job interviews are like war, in that they are often won or lost based on the art of deception.
Managers: you know this, so why you continue to complain about cover letters and resumes, and why you continue to ask pointless questions during interviews, is beyond me.
Here’s how to hire:
1. Read the cover letter. If the candidate cannot string two sentences together, hit the SEE YA! button.
2. Take the resume. To the waste basket, and deposit it unceremoniously in said receptacle. You are the hiring manager, so someone has probably already screen the resume and decided that this is someone you should TALK TO. Note I did not say, “someone whose resume you too should review.”
3. During the interview, get your candidates OFF SCRIPT. Expect the canned responses and IGNORE THEM. Instead, probe with unexpected questions and watch how the candidate responds once the candidate no longer realizes s/he is talking about work. For instance: “Oh, so you’re new to the area… have you made many new friends yet…?” If the answer is, “No, not really. As a matter of fact, we haven’t even met our next door neighbor and we’ve been there 6 months… is that horrible?!” then guess what: this person might keep to him/herself at work, too. Probe more to find out just how deep that introversion runs… especially if the person is being considered for a position that requires him/her to intereact proactively with lots of people!
More on the subject in this lovely video:
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“Trust what you see.” Really wonderful point, Jason!
Love it, Love it….LOVE IT!