PAST EXPERIENCE
When you look at an individuals past experience, you have an accurate window into their future. We are all creatures of habit and if someone was an overachiever in college, chances are they will overachieve in their career.
During an interview it is common to focus the majority of time on the most rercent employment. Make sure you are reviewing their entire work history and the thinking behind various career decisions that were made.
What is obvious in this person’s various career choices?
Did they ever take a step back to learn new techniques or skills?
Have they worked in a very independent environment or did they always
function as part of a team?
Can they easily discuss accomplishments achieved at every position?
Do their reasons for leaving make sense?
If there are gaps in employment, did you get an explanation?
Are you able to identify the skills you need for your current opportunity?
It is amazing what you can learn when you talk informally to a candidate and start to ask questions about their past. Many hiring decisions can be reached by the answers you obtain and the observations you make when a candidate is just having a conversation vs. answering structured questions.
Good luck with your current hiring challenges!
Barb Bruno
