First Time Interviewing Advice

[48Valves]

Well, not strictly my first time but previously I have interviewed people I knew were getting the job, due to knowing they have the specific skills I needed.

Oh, and I had to interview my replacement at a previous employer. On my last day after being in the pub for a few hours. All very awkward!

This time I am interviewing for a trainee. The person requires nothing but reasonable GCSE grades (C) and a good attitude.

We have finally received a CV worth a second look and have offered an interview. Given that there is nothing particularly technical that I can ask relating specifically to the role. I am seeking advice from the PH captains of industry. How do I ascertain whether or not the interviewee is suitable?

The role is for a trainee technician at a consulting engineer. No previous experience required.

Incidentally the lad we are interviewing started his early working life in the same line of work I did.

Thanks

[Ultuous]

Break down that 'good attitude' into what's really required/ would help with the role, then frame questions around seeking those qualities...

For example, if it's about teamwork and self-motivation, ask the candidate to describe a time when they worked as part of a team (and prompt with what was their role and the result if they get stuck) or when they faced a challenge and how they dealt with it!

All sounds very "HR" but I've always found it sorts the wheat from the chaff (and the inbetween with some prompting) - particularly for roles where the candidate can't be expected to be tested on technical stuff!

[Collectingbrass]

I would ask for examples of teamwork, team leadership, organisation skills (even a party needs an organiser), what did they learn from any prior employment history, where do they want to be in 5 & 10 years and if they know that, how do they intend to get there. For an egnineer specifically I would be asking for examples of things they had built, either physical or apps / software / web pages - it shows ability to chunk down a problem.

The worst first interview question I got asked, for a BP graduate Project Manager scheme job, was what would I do about X natural disaster and what would I do about it if I was the UK PM and the Pope. Depends how much of an arse you want to be I suppose.

[Ultuous]

Collectingbrass said:

The worst first interview question I got asked, for a BP graduate Project Manager scheme job, was what would I do about X natural disaster and what would I do about it if I was the UK PM and the Pope. Depends how much of an arse you want to be I suppose.

Some people seem to think its a game to make people sweat rather than look for the best fit: I had someone gleefully tell me that they were going to ask their first ever candidate "what kind of biscuit they'd be, if they could be a biscuit" (appreciate this /may/ be valid for a creative role, but it was more for a "salt of the earth" type).

Me: "And what do you hope to learn from their response that will help you decide?"

Them: "Dunno... bit it's a fun question don't you think?"

Me: "Call me boring, but at best you're wasting everyone's time, and at worst you're leaving a potentially ideal candidate wondering what kind of fking clown they'd be working for!"

[48Valves]

Thanks all.

Some sound advice. Keep in nice and simple and just see how the lad comes accross. I've no intention of trying to trip him up or make him nervous.

I've heard of the biscuit question. I'd walk if asked it.