THE JOB INTERVIEWpocess. As the interviewer, you want a subtext that will establish
rapport and encourage the applicant to be relaxed and to talk
easily- The best place for an interview is a private office; how-
ever, try to use an office that will give you, the interviewer, a
subtext of prestige. Remember that you represent the company.
If necessary, borrow another office for the interview, one that is
upscale.
Dress to display a professional and courteous subtext. Remember
that the subtext is not only yours but the company's as well. If
the applicant is a man, he will assuredly wear a jacket and tie.
If you are a man, wear one too. If you are a woman, dress as
the applicant would, neatly and conservatively.
Avoid any distractions during the interview. Arrange to have
no phone calls or knocks on the door. Begin by identifying yourself
by name and title, then try to put the applicant at ease. Start
the talk with something unrelated to the job. Does the applicant
have a hobby? Discuss it, or let him or her explain it to you.
However, remember that in the interview the applicant should
do the bulk of the talking. Instead of telling the applicant what
type of person you are looking for, or trying to sell the company
and the job, steer the conversation so that the applicant reveals
strengths and weaknesses.
A dangerous point about selling the job is that as the interviewer,
you may reveal just what you are looking for in a candidate, and
later in the interview, a clever applicant can feed this back to
you.
Encourage the applicant to talk openly by sending out a subtext
of interest and sympathy. This can be accomplished easily by
judicious head nodding at the right moment, or by brief comments:
"Uh-huh," or "I can understand that." Or by a smile.
Encourage the candidate to be open by sending out a subtext