I need to improve my interview techniques - HOW?

[KatyMac]

My most successful interviews have been when I have taken someone on based on my gut feelings. But I do feel I need to be a little more structured. I have placed an ad & I am expecting to interview next week.

So if I look at the job applications/CV's how i the best way to judge them?

Also I guess I need to make a list of questions to ask & information to give to the applicants

But I find it all a bit overwhelming tbh - any advise

[ShinyDysonHereICome]

I've got interview questions but they relate to job descriptions I wrote. Generally that's your starting point:

Write JD
Compile questions in line with contents of JD

I can email some over to you tomorrow if that helps?

[robinpud]

We also use a person specification so that we can be absolutely clear about the qualities that we are looking for in a successful applicant.
Using JD and Ps means you can be more structured in your processes.

[KatyMac]

Thanks ShineyDysonHIC - that would probably help
Robinpud, I have (a shiney new) Job description - what is a person specification?

[ShinyDysonHereICome]

Person spec details what qualifications, experience, skills the applicant should have.

NNEB/NVQ3 etc

[llareggub]

KatyMac, is an interview the only selection activity you are planning on using? A variety of selection activities will increase the validity of any decision you make. Are there any work related tasks you could ask the candidates to do so that you can observe performance?

[KatyMac]

Is that the bit at the bottom? with Desirable/Essential?

Childcare Practioner/Assistant
The two positions are part-time and the hours are as follows
Mon - Fri 7:30-9:30 & 15:00-18:00
Mon, Thurs & Fri 7:30-13:00
We are open to the flexibility of a job-share, but the applicants needs to consider the implication of covering for staff absences.
Both positions involve working within a high quality home-based childcare setting with NVQ3 qualified colleagues. Although working at Childminding@walnutcorner initially there is the possibility of career progression with the opening of a new nursery later in the year.
This is an opportunity to join an expanding and dynamic organization where training is highly valued. The successful candidates must be prepared to train as childminders (ICP course plus First Aid & Food Hygiene courses) and continue with personal development by attending relevant legislative and specialist courses on a regular basis.
A person specification and job description are available on application. Although training and experience are important, applications will be welcomed from those with significant life skills which demonstrate the relevant competencies.
Employment package includes subsidised childcare, meals while on duty, a competitive salary and family friendly working arrangements.
THIS JOB INVOLVES WORKING WITH CHILDREN
All posts will be subject to satisfactory CRB checks.
Minimum Qualification
No Childcare Qualifications
Job Requirements
E = Essential
D = Desirable
Certificates
Behaviour Management D
Birth to Three Matters D
Child Protection Procedures D
First Aid Certificate D
Food Hygiene Certificate D
Skills
Ability to work as part of a team E
Administration skills E
Car owner D
Driver E
Enthusiastic E
Flexible E
Good communication skills E
IT skills E
Willingness to undergo training E
Works on own initiative E

[KatyMac]

I have previously asked them to spend some time with the children - but it's difficult if they already have a job iyswim

I feel very insecure about the whole thing - as I am going to have to recruit a large number of people later in the year & how I do this now will affect how I do that then

[KatyMac]

That's really good waswondering (not convinced about the Nursery Rhyme one tho')

[llareggub]

katymac...I am not advertising as I live no where near you but if you really do feel insecure about recruiting and selecting large numbers of people, why not contact a HR consultant to help you out? You'd get a double whammy as you'd get their skills and experience but also learn from them at the same time.

Anyway, I would stick to sceanario based questions based on stuff you'd expect them to do as part of the job? That way you can assess the competencies you've listed as essential for the job. It is important to include some time with the children as part of the process. You might also want to consider including a parent in the selection process somehow. I can give you further info about this if you want. I routinely include customers in selection activities for Social Services.

One thing you could consider is asking them to design and run an activity with a group of children to meet a number of activities, or consider asking them to carry out a risk assessment following one of your standard forms? This would be on top of the interview, of course.

[KatyMac]

That's a really good idea about the risk assessment - I do have a lovely form for it

Parents - I had never thought about that - I'll have a think - it might be a very nice idea

[llareggub]

I wouldn't worry about how long the selection process takes, either. Whilst a lot of people will be in a job they'll usually be happy to take time off work to look for another one. It gives you both plenty of time to work out if you are right for one another.

The advert you've listed below sounds great. It sounds professional and is well written and I am sure you are fair better at this sort of thing than you give yourself credit. There is nothing wrong with relying on your gut feeling if you back it up with a couple of selection activities. Good luck, I hope you have a successful campaign!

[KatyMac]

Thanks - it is a lot better than the last job advert - unfortunately childcare has a very high turnover

I pay the best wages I can afford (this year I made no profit at all this year) & I try to add nice extras but it seems that money is a driver for all most people

[robinpud]

Can you get them to read a short story to a group of children? Or could you ask them to bring in a book they would choose to read and explain why?

[KatyMac]

I'm thinking about this

I really love the idea about getting the parents involved - I think lots of them would like too

Of course it's all immaterial really as I haven't had any job applicants

[llareggub]

Really, that is a shame KatyMac. Have you advertised widely?

If you are going to get the parents involved in some way then you need to think about whether you want them fully involved and part of the decision making or whether you want them to have input with you making the final decision. I'd go for the latter, personally.

Just to cover yourself you might want to put together a policy outlining the principles of good selection practice that you'd like them to follow ie no unlawful discrimination, that sort of thing.

[KatyMac]

I really don't know - but I was intrigued with the idea

I think my manager & I need to have a bit of a chat about it

I have advertised in the local council job website & the jobcentre plus