Transitioning to the interviewer’s seat for the first time can be both exciting and challenging. It’s a testament to your growth and your team’s trust in your judgment. Here’s how to navigate the journey of finding the right fit for your team.

📋 Key Steps to the Technical Interview

Every company’s hiring process is unique, but these four steps are typically involved before the technical interview:

Writing a Job Description

Crafting an effective job description is crucial. Make it clear, concise, and aligned with the actual skills required. Highlight desired skills and nice-to-haves. Include company perks and benefits—these can be the deciding factors for candidates weighing multiple offers.

Screening Resumes

Don’t just count years of experience. Focus on relevant skills, responsibilities, and achievements. Be open-minded about non-traditional career paths, personal projects, and self-taught skills. Look for clarity, attention to detail, and initiative.

The First Interview

This usually lasts about 30 minutes and aims to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications.

5 min: Introduce yourself and your company.

5 min: Candidate’s self-introduction.

15 min: Targeted questions on skills, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.

5 min: Candidate’s questions. Be transparent about the role and process.

The Technical Interview

Evaluate the candidate’s technical abilities through practical tasks or in-depth questions. Align the interview questions with the job description. Avoid overly complex or irrelevant questions that may discourage qualified candidates.

Focus on real-world scenarios: Prioritize practical problems they would face on the job.

Be transparent and fair: Ensure the candidate feels respected and valued, regardless of the outcome.

🎯 Tips for Success

Stay Impartial: Evaluate skills and character objectively, avoiding biases.

Don’t Seek Perfection: The perfect candidate doesn’t exist. Look for potential, willingness to learn, and team fit.

Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a relaxed environment where candidates feel comfortable to express themselves genuinely.

🔄 Keep Improving

After each interview, gather feedback from colleagues involved in the process and reflect on your questions and approach. Continuous improvement makes you a better interviewer and strengthens your team’s recruitment strategy.