Comments on: How Do You Interview? http://www.melinamurray.com/2008/07/how-do-you-interview/ HR thoughts for all companies and HR services for small companies Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:57:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Jason Seiden http://www.melinamurray.com/2008/07/how-do-you-interview/#comment-1301 Jason Seiden Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:52:27 +0000 http://www.melinamurray.com/?p=69#comment-1301 I use many of these techniques, including the purposeful mistake: I make a comment that makes no sense on the surface... very few people challenge it. Most people ignore it... and some say something along the lines of, "I'm not sure that I would set the question up that way, but if I understand what you're looking for, I'd say..." and then they answer a more sensible version of the question asked. Nice post. I use many of these techniques, including the purposeful mistake: I make a comment that makes no sense on the surface… very few people challenge it. Most people ignore it… and some say something along the lines of, “I’m not sure that I would set the question up that way, but if I understand what you’re looking for, I’d say…” and then they answer a more sensible version of the question asked. Nice post.

]]> By: melinamurray http://www.melinamurray.com/2008/07/how-do-you-interview/#comment-320 melinamurray Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:24:39 +0000 http://www.melinamurray.com/?p=69#comment-320 @HRwench & @Ask A Manager The idea of stating something wrong is definitely position specific. And it depends on knowledge needed, position requirements and ability of the interviewer to "read" the candidate. For some, it would be unnecessary. At the same time, this technique was usually used in the 3rd interview after the person had met other members of the team, taken a technical test and become a bit more comfortable. (in this case, we were hiring software engineer/programmer type positions) And if/when the candidate was confused or didn't respond, we would usually end up explaining the statement or using other ways to start a conversation. @HRwench #2 Sales people are a different story, I totally agree with you on the financial motivation there! Overall, money is a motivator to some degree. Being paid what you are worth, correctly and on time, to me is a given, basic necessity of the job. (IMO) However, in an interview, from a hiring perspective, I expect to hear a little more enthusiasm about the company or job. @HRwench & @Ask A Manager
The idea of stating something wrong is definitely position specific. And it depends on knowledge needed, position requirements and ability of the interviewer to “read” the candidate. For some, it would be unnecessary. At the same time, this technique was usually used in the 3rd interview after the person had met other members of the team, taken a technical test and become a bit more comfortable. (in this case, we were hiring software engineer/programmer type positions)
And if/when the candidate was confused or didn’t respond, we would usually end up explaining the statement or using other ways to start a conversation.

@HRwench #2 Sales people are a different story, I totally agree with you on the financial motivation there! Overall, money is a motivator to some degree. Being paid what you are worth, correctly and on time, to me is a given, basic necessity of the job. (IMO) However, in an interview, from a hiring perspective, I expect to hear a little more enthusiasm about the company or job.

]]> By: Ask a Manager http://www.melinamurray.com/2008/07/how-do-you-interview/#comment-315 Ask a Manager Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:00:09 +0000 http://www.melinamurray.com/?p=69#comment-315 I'm torn on the idea of saying something wrong and seeing if the candidate corrects you. On one hand, it's a great way to test both knowledge and willingness to speak up, but on the other hand, I worry about making the candidate wonder why her prospective future colleagues didn't know that. I occasionally co-interview with someone who uses this tactic, and I always get a little neurotic worrying about what it might make the candidate think. I’m torn on the idea of saying something wrong and seeing if the candidate corrects you. On one hand, it’s a great way to test both knowledge and willingness to speak up, but on the other hand, I worry about making the candidate wonder why her prospective future colleagues didn’t know that. I occasionally co-interview with someone who uses this tactic, and I always get a little neurotic worrying about what it might make the candidate think.

]]> By: HR Wench http://www.melinamurray.com/2008/07/how-do-you-interview/#comment-305 HR Wench Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:52:14 +0000 http://www.melinamurray.com/?p=69#comment-305 I love the idea of saying something wrong and seeing if the candidate questions or corrects the interviewer. I don't think it would fly with all positions, but for some (like HR, legal & similar) it would be great. About wanting a pay check - and a good one at that: I want sales people to be motivated by money, big time. That way they will always be hungry and hunting! I'm motivated by money in that I want to be paid what I'm worth. If I'm not paid what I'm worth, even if it is a good job / company, I will not be fully motivated. And that is just the way my cookie crumbles! :) I love the idea of saying something wrong and seeing if the candidate questions or corrects the interviewer. I don’t think it would fly with all positions, but for some (like HR, legal & similar) it would be great.

About wanting a pay check - and a good one at that: I want sales people to be motivated by money, big time. That way they will always be hungry and hunting! I’m motivated by money in that I want to be paid what I’m worth. If I’m not paid what I’m worth, even if it is a good job / company, I will not be fully motivated. And that is just the way my cookie crumbles! :)

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