INTERVIEW TIPS FOR CLIENTS – It’s Not Just About the Candidate!
Many recruitment firms coach candidates on interview prep, but employers often get left out. Here’s a quick guide to help you feel more comfortable, prepared, and effective when interviewing.
PREPARATION
Preparation is key! Spend 20-30 minutes reviewing the candidate’s application and CV alongside the job description. Note any gaps or inconsistencies you’d like to clarify. Craft open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses (think: who, what, where, when, and why).
Set up a welcoming interview space. Aim to avoid a desk barrier by sitting side-by-side or at a round table for a more relaxed atmosphere. Eliminate distractions: silence your phone, divert calls, and ensure you’ll have uninterrupted time.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Greet the candidate warmly and outline the interview format, giving a brief overview of your firm and the role before discussing their skills and experience. Encourage specific examples of past work to avoid just hearing a list of duties.
Stick to role-relevant questions and avoid anything discriminatory. Stay on track, and if you notice the conversation drifting, gently steer it back to the topic. When wrapping up, give them a chance to ask questions, provide any necessary details (next steps, timing, expenses), and thank them for their time.
RECORD KEEPING
During and after the interview, keep factual notes about the interview process and the reasons behind your decisions—this helps ensure transparency and compliance, especially if there’s ever a dispute. Only record information relevant to the recruitment process, securely storing all data in line with Data Protection guidelines.
If interviews aren’t a regular part of your role, we hope these tips make the process smoother and more effective. Happy interviewing!
At WAVELENGTH, we specialize in recruiting for Public Practice accountancy firms, so if you’re looking to hire, reach out to us—we’re here to help.
Contact us now!
If you are a prospective job hunter and generally thinking about a change in your career and have accounting, audit or tax experience gained from working for a professional firm of accountants, get in touch contact us at Wavelength today at info@waverecruit.com and we can book you in for an initial telephone / video consultation.