Here at ted Learning we empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their professional lives.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of interview skills. Whether you’re a seasoned interviewer or a job seeker preparing for an important interview, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore top tips on structuring interviews, navigate the UK law around this process, and discover how to create a remarkable candidate experience.
Structuring Interviews:
An interview’s structure is the backbone of a successful hiring process. Here are some of our top tips to ensure you create an effective structure:
Define Clear Objectives: Begin by clarifying the purpose of the interview. Determine the skills, qualifications, and qualities you’re seeking in a candidate.
Plan Ahead: Create a structured interview agenda that includes different stages or rounds, such as introductions, competency-based questions, and practical assessments.
Consistency is Key: Use the same set of questions for each candidate to facilitate fair and unbiased evaluations. This approach allows for easier comparisons between candidates.
Engage in Active Listening: Encourage candidates to express themselves fully and actively listen to their responses. Take notes and ask follow-up questions to gain deeper insights into their capabilities.
UK Law and Interviews:
Conducting interviews requires compliance with relevant UK laws and regulations. Familiarise yourself with the following key points:
Equality Act 2010: This legislation ensures that candidates are not discriminated against based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, religion, or disability. Design your interview process to avoid any potential discrimination.
Data Protection Act 2018: Protecting candidate data is crucial. Obtain consent to store and process personal information and ensure its confidentiality.
GDPR: Comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when handling personal data. Clearly communicate your data protection policies and ensure candidate consent is obtained for any data processing activities.
Right to Work: Verify a candidate’s eligibility to work in the UK by requesting appropriate documentation, such as a passport or visa, as required.
Creating an Exceptional Candidate Experience:
Providing an outstanding candidate experience can enhance your organization’s reputation and attract top talent. Consider the following tips:
Prepare Candidates: Share relevant information about the interview process, including the format, duration, and any pre-interview tasks or assessments. This helps candidates feel more comfortable and prepared.
Offer Clear Communication: Maintain prompt and transparent communication throughout the process. Notify candidates about the outcome of their application, even if unsuccessful, and provide constructive feedback when possible.
Showcase Your Organization: Highlight your company culture, values, and employee benefits during the interview process. This enables candidates to gauge whether they align with your organization’s ethos.
Respect Candidates’ Time: Be punctual and avoid unnecessary delays. Show respect for candidates’ time by sticking to the agreed-upon schedule.
Mastering interview skills is crucial for both interviewers and job seekers. By structuring interviews effectively, understanding UK law, and providing an exceptional candidate experience, you can elevate the hiring process to new heights. Remember, interviews are not only about finding the right fit but also about leaving a positive impression that resonates long after the interview concludes.
At ted Learning, we use the WASP model when delivering our interview skills training, combining our drama-based approach with our expert trainers to bring this to life and create an experience and really embed the learning.
Justin Smith-Essex
Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & one of the co-founders & Managing Director of ted Learning.
