Top Interview Blunders Small Business Owners Make

You know that hiring right is critical for any successful business; but it’s particularly crucial for small businesses. Why? Because the smaller the environment, the greater the impact a hiring mistake is going to make on it. So next time you’re looking to hire an employee, be sure to avoid these all-too-common interview mistakes:

You don’t prepare properly.

As one of the leading recruiting agencies in Houston, TX, Murray Resources understands that most small business owners are not necessarily trained in all the techniques of the interviewing process. But just because you lack formal education, doesn’t mean you can’t properly prepare for interviews.

First tip? Don’t wing it. Be sure to develop a list of thoughtful questions that help you determine whether a candidate is a good fit for the position. This can include some general questions (i.e. “tell me about yourself”). But to truly evaluate a candidate, you have to dig deeper. This means asking behavioral questions (e.g. “tell me about a time you failed on the job,” and “give me an example of a goal you reached and how you achieved it.”)

Also, before each interview, be sure to review a candidate’s resume so you a) know their name, b) have a good understanding of their background and c) can develop a list of questions specific to them. For instance, perhaps there is a gap in work history you want to ask about, or maybe their duties at their last job seem vague. Whatever the case, the interview gives you a chance to clarify these kinds of issues that can impact your hiring decision.

You don’t get too specific about the job’s responsibilities.

One of the biggest mistakes employers make when hiring is offering vague details about the demands of the job. If the job comes with a lot responsibility, then there’s a fear that the candidate will be scared away by talking about the long hours required and the high expectations.

However, when you gloss over these details, you’re actually shooting yourself in the foot in the long run. When a candidate gets on the job and realizes the position is not what they thought it would be, they’re going to get back to work…finding a new job.

So be open, honest and clear about the demands of the job. You may scare away some applicants; but the one you ultimately do hire will be well aware of what’s expected of him or her.

You get too personal in a job interview.

Asking personal questions during a job interview is a no-no for two reasons. First off, the questions you ask could be illegal. For instance, asking about marital status, whether someone has kids, or how old they are are all off limits.

Secondly, when you do ask personal questions, it could garner information that biases your hiring decision. For example, if you’re a huge baseball fan and by making small talk with a candidate, you find out that they too have a love of the game, then that knowledge could cause you to favor that candidate over another – even if they’re less skilled and experienced. So leave the small talk at home.

Are you a small business owner that needs more help hiring great employees?

Let Murray Resources know. As one of the leading recruiting agencies in Houston, TX, small businesses all over the city rely on our expertise to source and retain top talent for hard-to-fill, key positions across a broad range of business disciplines.

Contact us today if you’d like to learn more.