Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Behavioural Interviewing: sense or nonsense? How to get the best from improved hiring techniques'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Whenever you have a vacancy, regardless of how junior/senior, take a few minutes extra to speak with the incumbent's manager about the job;

Whether the candidates are internal or external, be sure to know what "success" on the job really means. How is it defined; what are the measurements?;

Look back at what previously successful incumbents actually did to do the job well;

Check whether management's expectations for the new incumbent are changed/unchanged;

Determine the "gap". Is it realistic or otherwise relative to the job level; compensation being offered; peers' job requirements?;

Ensure that candidates being interviewed have the minimum qualifications and have been 'paper-vetted' by the hiring manager before HR commits to interviews;

Engage the candidates in meaningful conversation about prior work experiences; allow lots of open-ended questions; use how/when/why/tell me about-type questions;

Persist with your line of questioning if you are unclear as to whether the questions are being answered satisfactorily and whether they are based on the candidate's actual experiences;

Ask line manager's to join in the interviews; prepare the list of questions carefully;

Check references carefully; some candidates are more skilled at interviewing than you may know.

Timetable 2000/2001 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
March 2002	Post-interview evaluation and feedback. How to add value for your clients
February 2002	Behavioural Interviewing: sense or nonsense? How to get the best from improved hiring techniques
January 2002	Recognition Programs - the right set-up for employee acceptance and corporate success
December 2001	HR work habits for 2002. The need for reform
November 2001	Downsizing aftermath...how to keep the survivors focused for the future
October 2001	How to plan strategically for downsizing, maintaining HR's credibility and employee loyalty
September 2001	Collective Bargaining...now you have the deal, how do you make it work?
August 2001	Managing Consulting Costs...how to keep hold of the reins and avoid surprises
July 2001	Expatriate Career Assignments...how to manage the risk and improve the odds of a 'win/win' for employee and employer
June 2001	Part Two of 'Browsers' Choices'... some tips on how to migrate successfully from 'A' to 'B' in a prudent, yet urgent, manner
May 2001	Part One of 'Browsers' Choices'... a summary of the 'new & old world' of HR business
April 2001	Managing promises and expectations during the "R" word
March 2001	'High Potential' Employees...how to ensure they don't sit out the game, then leave
February 2001	How to write really useful Job Descriptions...connecting the business dots
January 2001	Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers
December	Spreading scarce bonus/incentive dollars...best bang for the buck
November	Ethical Practices in Performance Appraisal & Related Salary Admin
October	Stock Option Plan Design in private companies heading for an 'IPO'
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace