15 Tips for Conducting a Job Interview—So You Can Make the Right Hire

You’re hiring? Congrats! In my experience as an executive leadership consultant helping company founders, C-suite executives, and small-business owners shape effective teams, I’ve noticed that interviewing—especially if you’re doing it for the first time—can be as nerve-racking for the interviewer as it is for the candidate. But don’t worry: By pausing, taking a few deep breaths, and following the 15 tips below, you’ll conduct a smooth and professional interview—and increase your chances of making and retaining the right hire.

When conducting an interview—or coaching others to—I like to categorize the process into five phases:

1. Prep for the interview. Get clear on the process and what you’re looking for in a hire.
2. Begin the conversation. Welcome the candidate into the interview and start the discussion.
3. Discover who the candidate is. Learn more about the interviewee’s competencies.
4. Learn how the candidate works. Understand the interviewee’s thinking and collaborative style.
5. Wind down. Explain next steps and send the interviewee on their way.

Flowing through all five of these phases will help you stay focused and confident, while gaining in-depth insight into the candidates you're interviewing. I’ll walk you through each phase below.