What makes a good interview?

I've found myself reflecting on my last post a lot. I was also talking to a friend of mine about a job I unsuccessfully applied for. Comparing the two experiences, I realised that I felt much differently about the interview outcome in each case.

I believe it's because of two things

Know what you want.

Do you understand what quality culture you currently have?

It will inform the kind of person you're looking for if you do. Being unaware of what your culture values risks interviewing people that you're never going to hire. Making people feel welcome and needed is a massive part of the interview process.

Doing anything else wastes everyones time!

The candidate is interviewing you too.

Good candidates have options!

So are you trying to convince them to join? Are you making it plain that you want them, not just any candidate that wanders into the office? How can you help them achieve their goals and aspirations? How are you coming across to the candidate?

Stay engaged in the process.

Free marketing.

Think of it as another marketing channel.

That's why I was completely ok with being rejected in one situation and was really disappointed in the other. One company took the time to get to know me and explain how I could help, while the other left me unsure why they wanted to talk to me in the first place.

If people still advocate for your firm, regardless of the interview outcome, you've nailed it!