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- Challenging First Impressions
Interviewer Guide
Challenging First Impressions
"Interview personality is not the same as on-the-job personality"
Research has shown that most employers make an (unconscious) decision in the first 90 seconds and spend the rest of the interview justifying that decision. 70% assessment is affected by first impressions and personal chemistry. However, personality in interview is not a true indicator; some people are very nervous, some very outgoing and some people say just what they think the interviewer wants to hear.
Tips to avoid knee-jerk decisions
- Don't start the interview straight away; have a tour of the building, demonstration, to relax the candidate and reduce instant emotional reactions to someone.
- Ask all the candidates the same questions despite your initial impression.
- Keep thinking "maybe" throughout the interview to try and balance your opinions.
- Recognise when you are feeling uncomfortable and try to analyse why.
- Go back to your initial impression halfway through and evaluate your reaction.
There is no such thing as the perfect candidate. It could be that the person you liked best doesn't fit your original idea, this shows your questions were successful in revealing key qualities for the job and challenging your initial assumptions.
Inspire the Applicant and Sell the Company
You want them to be keen to work for you.
- Stress the importance of the applicants position
- Company values
- Forecasts for growth and company goals.
Once the decision has been made speed up the process - delays can disillusion a good candidate who may have other offers.