Forgive this off topic question...?

Question

Please forgive this off topic question, but I need some tips and value the opinions of the R&S Regulars...

My company is currently hiring a receptionist for the front office of the upstairs where I work and I have been put in charge of doing the hiring as well as the interviewing process. I am conducting my first interview this morning in one hour. This is the first interview I have ever conducted by myself. I know some basic questions that I plan on asking the applicant as well as some questions I have about her resume and I plan on giving her a brief idea of the job description and explaining a bit about our company.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Questions I should ask, etc?

Answer 1

you're trying to find out 2 things in an interview:
1- is the person technically qualified and have the proper education/background to do the job correctly, and
2- is this a person you can work with on a day-to-day basis and someone that works well in a team

To answer the first, talk about any applicable education or job experience. Ask about particulars that you are knowledgable of to find out if they're bull-s'ing their way through it.
To answer the next, ask them about their hobbies and what they like to do in their spare time. Again, ask about some details, but be careful that you don't ask them particulars about their religion or their personal relationships... you will hit some legalities here. During this phase, you'll find out if this person has the personality and interests that will allow them to fit in.
Keep it like a conversation, and you will have the person more comfortable. This will hopefully get them to relax and be themselves a bit more. Once you take that edge off, you'll have better insight as to the real person you're considering hiring... not the "interview" person who's nervous as heck! good luck!

Answer 2

your there to have a conversation so first thing first make them feel comfortable. offer them a drink smile a lot ect...
then ask the basic questions have her/him follow up with examples real examples in there life!
hopefully she asks you some questions about your company you shouldn't have to give that information only the stuff that only employee's know. I wouldn't hire someone who didn't research the job they were apply for!
not sure what your company does but I work in radio and we just went through hiring a new receptionist most people will work in radio doing anything to get their foot in the door, so we had to ensure that they wanted to be a receptionist and not ON -AIR jock. or wanting to hang out with them all the time so we gave them a tour of the station and watch their reaction to the Jocks and the studio's if they seem over excited then they didn't get the job..

Ask what their goals are where do they see them self in a year in two years! becareful if you want an employee to stay with you then look for someone who has a dirsire to work with your company!

hope this helps

Answer 3

You will learn the most about this applicant if you keep a good amount of silence. Ask open ended questions and then be very patient while the applicant answers.

Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work here?
What is your goal in life?
How do you handle conflict or criticism?
Do you prefer to be directed or to have some leeway for creativity?
Tell me about your typical morning.

These things will reveal a lot. Remember, you are not being interviewed. You are trying to get a snapshot of this person to see if they are a match for the position and the company. You can only do that by listening.

Answer 4

I'd recommend your questions are targeted around the details of the job, to ensure the applicant will be a good fit for the position. Questions of character are good to ask, this will give you an idea of how well the applicant will work with others. You don't want to hire someone who will clash with the rest of the office. Be sure not to ask personal questions like age, personal life, etc.

Answer 5

Well for being a receptionist, I would believe that personality would play a big part in the hiring, as well as qualifications and experience. Someone that might be easily rattled probably wouldn't be best suited for the job. Might want to look for tell-tale body language, see how they handle themselves throughout the interview. :)

Answer 6

After it goes on for a bit and you've used most of your other ammo, ask "Is there anything else you'd like to know about the job?" No harm in bringing up a little non-job conversation if the opportunity presents itself either.

Answer 7

unquestionably to me its purely like a interest you provide ur suited answer and in case you get the suited answer its style of like a reward it feels extraordinarily good once you have an incredible sort of things and the greater factors u have the greater privleages you get like im on point 3 i will ask 15 questions i will answer 40 questions i will remark 20 and that i assume ur perfect some people do cope with yahoo solutions as a job i do exactly this on my spare time i assume you would be able to desire to declare its like who has the main myspace acquaintances

Answer 8

What was your favorite job and why?
What was your worst job and why?

Although a receptionist interview doesn't really need to be very intensive. ;) :D

Answer 9

Ask what she can do for the comapny and why the company should hire her.

Answer 10

What are her greatest strengths and what are her greatest weaknesses.

if she says she has no weaknesses, she lying to you.