Conducting a job interview is not easy for a first time interviewer. The main quality needed to conduct an interview is self confidence. You must appear welcoming yet authoritative, as your attitude and the first impression you give will influence the attitude of the candidate. Employers can quite often become nervous whilst conducting a job interview. Ensure that you stay on task and that the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Greet each candidate warmly and give a firm handshake as this will be of a great assistance in creating the atmosphere you want.



When you are ready to start an interview, meet the candidate and greet him/her warmly. Thank the applicant for taking the time to attend the interview. Appropriate eye contact is very important as it will make your task more pleasant. Ask the candidate to have a seat. This will reduce any tension and will allow you to begin the interview positively. Being sure to ask the right kind of questions at the appropriate time plays a very important role while conducting a job interview. Ask the questions as they increase in order of importance. Begin with more general questions such as asking for personal details, why the candidate has chosen your company etc. Always wait patiently and listen attentively to the answers from the candidate. You will be able to think of the next question whilst the previous one is being answered, unless you have a list of prepared questions. Take your own time and plan your questions well.

Knowing when it is the right time to ask certain kinds of questions plays a very important role while conducting a job interview. You should ask the questions in increasing order of importance. Begin with general questions such as personal questions, why they have applied for this position etc. At all times listen attentively to the candidate's answers. Take your own time and plan your questions well - a series of questions prepared in advance will be of assistance. After these initial general questions, take a minute's break and have an informal chat with the candidate. This will create an atmosphere that is welcoming and will ultimately obtain the best response from the candidate. The next level of questioning is concerned with questions that give you information about the level of skill, talent and expertise the candidate may have, so the questions must be framed so that they highlight these attributes. You should take observation notes, as these will be of benefit to you when making the final decision. Some examples of this level of questioning relate to what the candidate is searching for in a job, why they are the best person for the job, what the candidate do for the company that some one else cannot etc.

It is a most difficult task deciding which candidate is best suited for a position, especially when a number are suitably qualified. You must make your judgment based upon the appropriateness of the answers given. It is entirely appropriate to ask questions related to the candidate's previous job experiences, their relationship with co-workers, management style, what they are looking for in a job, whether they will be a team player or will be a disturbance.

Conclude the interview positively with a friendly thank you and handshake. Allow yourself a few minutes before commencing the next interview. This will help you make the right decision. If you rush and make the wrong choice it may be a concern for the company.