In this article we will discuss the importance of job interview training and candidate evaluation for employers.
A job interview is a critical step in the hiring process.
While a candidate aims to give their best performance, the employer’s primary objective is to assess whether the candidate is the right fit for the job they are offering.
But what are the key factors that employers look for in a candidate?
This article will delve into the main decision factors that employers evaluate when hiring employees, and why interview training is necessary for them to conduct effective job interviews.
The Importance of Effective Candidate Evaluation
What Do Employers Look for in Candidates?
Understanding the Four Attributes Employers Prioritize in Candidates
While employers may prioritize different aspects when evaluating candidates, here are the four general attributes that employers seek:
1.) Competencies – Abilities to Do the Work Successfully
Employers prioritize a candidate’s competencies, which are a set of skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to perform a job successfully.
While many internal aspects of the job can be taught to the employee, the core competencies cannot and should not be taught.
Therefore, a prospective employee should possess the necessary competencies required for the job they are applying for.
2.) Will to Do the Work
Some people may have the ability to do the job but lack the will to perform it to the best of their abilities.
Such individuals may accept the job offer but will not put in their best effort and eventually lose interest in the job.
Employers are aware of this and, therefore, also look for the will to do the job to the best of their abilities in the prospective employee.
3.) Will to Learn and Progress
In today’s ever-changing job market, it is crucial for employees to be willing to learn continuously.
While a candidate may possess the core competencies and the will to work, a reluctance to learn can create a negative atmosphere in the company.
Therefore, employers also look for the willingness to learn in a prospective employee.
4.) Positive Attitude
A positive attitude towards work and life, in general, is essential for an employee to function effectively in a team.
Being a team player is critical for employees to perform at their best. A positive attitude is one of the most important attributes that an employee can possess, and it is something that employers seek in candidates.
Hiring the Right Fit
It is worth noting that the attributes that employers look for may vary depending on the job position.
For example, an employer looking for an executive or a CEO would prioritize leadership, thought leadership, and general management competencies.
How Interview Training Helps Employers Make Informed Decisions
It is surprising to learn that many hiring managers lack adequate training in conducting an interview.
Many managers are unsure about the interview questions they should ask. Engaging in interview training courses is a simple solution that requires little time and effort.
Effective Candidate Evaluation for Employers
Interview training for hiring managers includes the following:
A.) Behavioral Interview Training
Behavioral interview training establishes an interviewing approach that is consistent and comprehensive, incorporating reference checks, rating, and selection, which is applied at all levels in the company.
This training ensures that managers become skilled in recruitment and can effectively hire the best-qualified person for the job. As a result, there is a decrease in turnover and an increase in satisfaction among new employees.
Behavioral interview training provides managers with a methodical process that accurately predicts a candidate’s potential. Managers learn how a candidate’s past behavior is a solid indicator of future behavior and performance.
B.) Competency-Based Interview Training
The interview is a crucial step in the assessment process to fill a job vacancy.
It is often the first time that the hiring manager and the candidate meet, providing the hiring manager with an opportunity to explore areas that are important in determining the candidate’s suitability for the position.
However, if the hiring manager does not know which questions to ask to get meaningful answers, the interview will end with the manager knowing little more than they knew to begin with.
Competency-based interview training helps hiring managers develop the necessary skills to ask the right questions and get answers that will help determine whether the candidate is right for the position or not.