Which of the following is a best practice for conducting interviews?

Preparing questions in advance and taking detailed notes is considered a best practice for conducting interviews because it ensures a structured and consistent approach to evaluating candidates. Having a set of prepared questions allows the interviewer to focus on relevant competencies and qualifications necessary for the role, thereby facilitating a fair comparison between candidates. This preparation also helps in covering all essential areas without missing important topics due to spontaneous or uncoordinated questioning.

Taking detailed notes during the interview empowers the interviewer to keep track of each candidate’s responses accurately. This is crucial for later reference, especially when multiple candidates are interviewed. Detailed notes enable interviewers to recall specific points made by candidates, which is beneficial for making informed decisions and providing constructive feedback if necessary.

In contrast, spontaneous questioning might lead to inconsistencies and a lack of focus on the key attributes being evaluated. Speaking only about the company and its achievements could neglect the opportunity to engage the candidate in a meaningful dialogue about their skills and qualifications. Involving multiple interviewers without coordination can lead to overlapping questions or confusion for the candidate, detracting from the overall quality of the interview experience. Thus, advancing with prepared questions and thorough documentation is vital for a successful and effective interview process.