How To: Conduct a job interview & weed out unqualified people

For many of us, being the interviewer is as nerve-racking as being the interviewee. You can keep your cool and quickly weed out unqualified applicants.

You Will Need:
* A job applicant
* The candidate's resume
* And some privacy

Step 1: Review the resume
Reacquaint yourself with the applicant's resume before they are sitting in front of you.

Step 2: Escort them in
Shake the candidate's hand and put them at ease by personally escorting him or her to the interview site, asking if they need anything, like a glass of water or a place to hang their coat, on the way.

Step 3: Describe the job
Begin by describing the position and its responsibilities. That way, if there is something the applicant finds unacceptable, like having to remember how many sugars you take in your coffee, you've saved both of you a lot of time.

Step 4: Limit clichéd questions
Limit clichéd questions like "What are your weaknesses?" Some standard questions might be helpful, but don't feel like you have to ask all the questions that everyone expects.

Step 5: Ask behavioral questions
Ask behavioral questions that require the applicant to tell how they once reacted in a specific situation, like, "What was an instance where someone you relied on let you down professionally, and what did you do?"

Step 6: Determine what they want
Try to determine what they're most qualified to do, and what they want to do—other than get this job. After all, they might be smart and talented, but better suited elsewhere. Ask where they see themselves professionally in 10 years.

Step 7: Solicit questions
Ask the candidate if he or she has any questions or concerns. Let's face it: the applicant is also interviewing you.

Step 8: Explain the situation

Let the person know where things stand—such as whether you're interviewing lots of candidates—and when they can expect to hear one way or another. It's unprofessional to leave applicants dangling—even unqualified ones.