A View From The Top

by Keith Potts, Managing Director, Jobsite.com.

You Only Hear What You Want To Hear - Or Do You?

Interviewing a potential candidate is more difficult than one thinks - so why aren't more recruiters trained in the art of really getting the best information from candidates?

Part of the problem is that most of us think we're great interviewers, just like we think we're all great drivers - we passed the relevant test years ago, so why take it again? But if we're really going to find out what a candidate's skills, personality and needs really are, the simple fact is that most of us need some new ideas about how to do it.

It's no longer enough to rely on the same linear techniques that have served us well for decades. Many candidates now routinely form their own opinions about what they think employers value most highly - personality and attitude in the majority of cases, with career experience and skills and qualifications close behind. They anticipate the questions they're going to be asked, and prepare for them - our research shows that nearly all candidates tell employers what they think they want to hear.

So how much good will your gut feel really do you in these circumstances?

Comments

Oh come on you cant possibly think that the REAL MD wrote this post, with all its promotion its obvious that the PR people do it!

Neil - December 20, 2006 11:31 PM

Neil,

It certainly is me. Maybe I should get a job in PR? :)

My blog is all about this industry and an insight into what we are working on here at Jobsite. This post is referring to some research work we have recently completed which we feel is very useful and relevant to the industry (hence sticking it on my blog).

Is there anything specific you would like to discuss with me whether on this thread or my next blog?

Regards
Keith

Keith - January 5, 2007 11:15 AM

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Keith Potts
Managing Director, Jobsite.

My name is Keith Potts and I am the CEO of the Jobsite Group. I was one of the original founders of the company during those early pioneering days of 1995 and have overseen the growth of the company ever since. It's crucial that people enjoy their working life and I have to say that I really do enjoy working for the company and with the people within it. This blog will give you an insight into new developments happening here at Jobsite, my commentary on recruitment industry news and some insight into what I'm currently working on.

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