Home | Work & Business | Careers & Jobs | Jobs | How to Assess a Job Seeker

How to Assess a Job Seeker

by Kay Piem

Overview

Job seekers look for positions that dovetail with their backgrounds, offer growth opportunities and pay decently. Employers need to keep these job candidate priorities in mind when they interview. At the same time, employers need to keep their own priorities in mind. During an interview they must assess a candidate's skills, personality and communication style to determine if the candidate is the right fit for the company.
Interviewing

Step 1

Before meeting a candidate, review his resume and cover letter and perhaps even call a colleague of yours who might have worked with him in the past. If the candidate has a profile posted on a site such as LinkedIn, look it over. Although much the information will be similar to what's on the resume, the candidate will probably have recommendations that can tell you a little more about him.
Step 2

Be on time to the interview, smile and offer to take any belongings, such as a coat or umbrella. Do your best to put the candidate at ease to ensure that the interview goes well for both of you.
Step 3

Ask questions about the job seeker's background. Pull an example or two from his resume and ask the candidate to provide more information about a particular position or skill. Include questions about his education, community service and academic or professional achievements. Use a notepad and pen to take notes either during or after the interview. Learn the candidate's computer or communication skills as they apply to the position. Listen to how he answer questions and offer him opportunities to give further information.
Step 4

Ask the job seeker about his understanding of your company, and go over the company's identity and culture. Describe the work environment of your organization and ask questions about his experience working with small to large groups and involvement in management of projects. Job seekers with a high level of interest in a position and company come prepared with research and knowledge of the company, news and industry.
Step 5

At the conclusion of the interview, tell the candidate how soon you expect to fill the position and when to expect a follow-up call if your company is interested in interviewing further. Thank him for his time, return his belongings, and walk him to the door or elevator.

3
Notepad Pen
Notepad
Pen
Nonverbal communication is an important element of an interview. Look for strong eye contact, friendliness, timeliness, openness and the tried-and-true firm handshake.
Nonverbal communication is an important element of an interview. Look for strong eye contact, friendliness, timeliness, openness and the tried-and-true firm handshake.