By structuring your interview, you will conduct a more efficient and thorough one.  Greg D’Archangelis of National Westminster Bank has worked out a comprehensive selection interview outline for his branch managers that covers a range of topics thoroughly and sequentially.  The six-point outline looks like this:

1.      Establish rapport

-         Greetings and introductions

-         Brief small talk

2.      Set the stage

-         Why?  (purpose of interview)

-         What? (what will be covered)

-         How? (sequence of events)

3.      The interview: Probe using open-ended questions.

1. Discuss work experience: Begin with earliest jobs and proceed to most recent position.  Briefly discuss:

-         Duties and responsibilities

-         Skills and abilities

-         Public contact and service

-         Likes and dislikes

-         Difficult situations

-         Performance/attendance record

-         Reason for leaving (probe deeply for data)

2. Education and outside experiences:

-         Grade average

-         Best and worst courses

-         Extracurricular activities

-         Team involvement and other outside experiences

Note:  Most of this work and education information will be on the resume or the application.  Do not have the applicant repeat information you already have.

4.      Discuss and evaluate key selection criteria

-         Customer-service orientation

-         Honesty and integrity

-         Learning potential

-         Comfort with pressure

-         Team approach

-         Facility with details

-         Reliability and dependability

5.      Tell and sell

-         Company and department structure

-         Typical daily job duties

-         Department relationships

-         Applicant’s questions and comments

6.      Close interview

Tell applicant next step (for example, recruiter will be in contact within specified time frame).  Thank applicant for coming.