Hiring the right people is a key to building a strong business.  Buit before that,  there’s the job interview.  Here’s how to make this work for you:

Establish Rapport: If you can help the candidates feel at ease, they will be in a better position to answer your questions.  Greet them with a smile, offer a handshake and use small talk.  Be friendly but not too personal.

Take Down Notes: Tell the candidate that you’d take notes and have a clean sheet by your side.  Write your observations and the candidate’s answers to some important questions.

Ask open-ended questions: Don’t make the mistake of repeating items listed in the resume.  Instead, ask the candidate about significant accomplishments he has done in his past jobs.  Make him talk so you can observe him more.

End the Interview on a Positive Note: When you end the interview, thank the candidate and explain the next steps.  You may work with him again in some other capacity in the future, that’s why it’s best to keep things in a positive note.  If you promise to call the candidate by a certain date to inform him of your decision, whatever it goes, make sure you fulfill that promise.  Your basic professionalism will be highly appreciated even by those who would not end up in your company.