How to Conduct Effective Exploratory Interviews in Hiring?
Building on our discussion of candidate screening, exploratory interviews are the next critical step in the hiring process.
These interviews can often be conducted in two stages: an initial screening call by the talent acquisition team followed by a more in-depth conversation with the hiring manager.
Objective of Exploratory Interviews:
The primary objective of exploratory interviews is to provide a platform for candidates to ask questions and for interviewers to further assess candidates as a preliminary screening for more advanced and time-consuming stages of the hiring process.
This stage is crucial for ensuring that both parties are on the same page before proceeding.
Example: The talent acquisition team might conduct a brief call to discuss the candidate’s basic qualifications and motivations, followed by a deeper dive by the hiring manager into more specific areas of expertise and cultural fit.
Three Dimensions of Hiring:
During exploratory interviews, candidates are evaluated across three key dimensions:
1. Attitude: This includes emotional intelligence elements such as self-awareness and the ability to incorporate feedback.
2. General Aptitude: Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities.
3. Domain Aptitude: Specific skill sets relevant to the role.
Example: Interviewers might ask situational questions to evaluate emotional intelligence or problem-solving tasks to assess general aptitude.
Best Practices for Conducting Exploratory Interviews:
To ensure the effectiveness of exploratory interviews, it’s important to prepare in advance. Interviewers should know the types of questions that will best test each dimension and maintain a score in a tracker across all dimensions to ensure consistent evaluation.
Example: Creating a checklist of questions and traits to evaluate before the interview ensures that all dimensions are covered thoroughly, helping to identify the most promising candidates efficiently.
Takeaway:
Exploratory interviews are a vital part of the hiring process, providing a deeper understanding of a candidate's capabilities and fit. By carefully planning and conducting these interviews across key dimensions, organizations can effectively streamline their hiring process and better identify candidates who are likely to succeed in their roles.