3 Steps: How to Listen for Mediocrity at the Job Interview

3 Key Things to do When Listening to the Interviewee:

Step 1: Uncover the Interviewee’s motivation at the Interview

I’m doing this for a paycheck.

I’m just doing this job until I can get a better one.

It’s better than nothing; I’m getting paid.

As a boss, manager, or supervisor, it is up to you to determine your interviewee’s motivation for showing up. Why are they here? What do they want? What is important to this person now?

Do not be afraid to dig-in. Find out what you need to know by asking probing questions. Why this job? Why now? What appeals to you about this position (in order of priority)?

Instead of asking the generic questions of “long-range plans,” why not try asking the person about what they hope to accomplish while they are in your employ.

Step 2: Dig deep by asking pointed questions

1. How long do you think it will take you to learn the essential functions of this job?

2. How long is long enough in a position of this nature before you might begin to expect to be promoted?

3. Would you accept a lateral transfer (no pay increase) to learn a new set of skills? Why or why not?

4. Are you willing to do this job exactly the way we want it done - even if you think you know a better way?

5. How might you try to convince me to allow you to do this job the way you think it should be done?

Remember, consistency counts, ask every candidate the same set of questions.

The more diligent you are at the time of the interview, the more cost effective you will be in the long run.

Companies pour time and money into training individuals and getting them acclimated to the company culture. All of this is a waste if your new hire decides to fly-the-coup without warning.

Step 3: Questioning the interviewee’s relationship with authority and the company

1. What personality traits do you look for in a boss or a manager? What is your rationale?

2. What personality traits have made it difficult for you to respect a person in charge in the past?

3. What should I expect from you as an employee? Tell me about a work experience where you just could not keep your word. (Press hard for this one.)

4. Have you ever stolen anything from a past employer? Did you return the item(s)?

5. True or False: It is okay to be a little late coming to work.

6. True or False: It is okay to take a few more minutes at lunch time or break time.

7. True or False: It is okay to take company tools or office supplies home as long as I bring them back the next day.

8. True or False: I understand the importance of giving my employer a proper notice of my intent to leave the company. What is the shortest amount of time you have given an employer for a resignation notice?

Remember, to form your interview questions in advance, do not interview by the seat of your pants.

Make your questions as specific as possible.

Practice your interviewing techniques until you are comfortable.

Use a smart phone to video record yourself in a mock interview to see what you might change.

Constantly remind yourself that the upfront work you do in this interview will save time and money in the long run.

Please Note: This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Rather, it is our hope to get your creative juices flowing.

Resources for You:

In his article for INC magazine, Travis Bradberry offers:

8 Ways to Read Someone's Body Language What people say to you goes way beyond their words.

The above linked article is a quick read and very informative. Travis uses some pretty good images too.

In her article for Psychology Today, Judith Orloff, M.D., and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA says this: Three Techniques to Read People.

We feel the above linked article will be well worth your while to read. Note the checklist that Judith provides. Check out the section labeled “About the Author” at the bottom of the page and you will see that Judith has written a book that may be of interest to you.

Discover:

7 Steps to Detect Mediocrity at the Job Interview

inside the 4/25 blog

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