When prepping for an interview, most of the pressure is placed on the candidate. However, it's just as important for the interviewer to be well-prepared. In order for an interview to be successful, you should do the following 5 things:
1. Build rapport. Always open your interview by establishing a rapport with the candidate by finding a shared topic to talk about before getting to the difficult questions. This allows your candidates to feel more at ease and they'll share more information with you.
2. Identify 3 areas you want to discuss around their skillset. Asking behavioral questions, and questions regarding a candidate's work experience and education, will give you a better understanding of your candidate’s background and if they are a fit for the position.
3. Be knowledgeable of what you can and can't ask a candidate. Hiring managers should be aware of what you can and can't ask during an interview to comply with the laws and avoid legal issues.
4. Ask open-ended questions. Asking open-ended questions encourages candidates to share their experiences and provide more detailed answers. Follow up with more probing questions if needed.
5. Practice active listening. It is important to listen and pay attention to what your candidates are saying and ask follow-up questions. This allows you to better understand their qualifications for the role.