Published on: 09 July 2018
Last Updated on: 13 September 2024
A majority of companies use traditional job interviews when hiring. This involves having the interviewee coming in and meeting the interviewers face-to-face. This method doesn’t work, according to Simply, author of “10 Interview Questions To Ask To Find Your Next Retail Super Employee.”
To begin with, most people actually lie during interviews. They do it because, given the kind of environment created by traditional interviews, candidates are willing to do anything to get through.
Take candidates during an interview for a position in your company, for example. You ask them if they have a certain skill that you probably deem important to the job they are interviewing for. The candidates obviously know that if they admit to not having that skill, they will not get the job. So, they will most likely skirt around the topic and give you the impression that they are more than qualified for the job. As an employer, many of your candidates are spoon-feeding you these dishonest answers and, if modern data is anything to go by, many employees are eating this misinformation up.
We Have Too Many Biases :
It’s not just about the lies that interviewees tell you during interviewers. It’s also about the inherent psychological biases you have that make you more likely to favor certain types of candidates over others.
For starters, we tend to evaluate attractive people more favorably than others. We see them as being more intelligent than their less attractive peers, more competent and more qualified. The truth, however, is that this isn’t objectively true.
We also evaluate taller people in a different way that we evaluate shorter ones. Height is associated with leadership skills, and so taller people are evaluated as having greater leadership skills. Just look at the presidents we’ve had for most of our history and a majority of the CEOs at large Fortune 500 companies. Taller people also seem to command higher salaries than their shorter counterparts.
We tend to think of people with lower-pitched voices as more trustworthy and consider them to have more integrity and fortitude.
None of the biases above are objectively true. Short people can be leaders just as great as tall people, unattractive people have often proven more intelligent and competent than their attractive counterparts and people with higher pitches can be just as trustworthy as those with lower pitches. It doesn’t help, however, because these biases are ingrained in most of us.
If you somehow arrive at the conclusion that a candidate is an introvert, you will automatically assume they are incapable of leading teams, even though that isn’t necessarily so. Our inherent assumptions affect how we even question candidates.
The Future of Job Interviews :
This is why the future will contain very few traditional interviews. Instead, we will do more job auditions, where the candidates will be required to perform tasks related to the jobs they are applying for, much like the auditions musicians attend.
You can get a sales representative to sell you a product or a software engineer to build you a simple product. These will prove much more effective going forward, especially for jobs where performance and hard skills matter the most.
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You’ve been asked to conduct a job interview for the first time—exciting, right? Worrying about how to conduct an interview?
Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or part of a hiring committee, interviewing someone can feel a bit nerve-wracking if you’ve never done it before.
But guess what?
You don’t need to be an expert to do it well. With some preparation and the right approach, you can conduct a smooth, professional, and even enjoyable interview.
Let’s walk through how to make it a success from start to finish.
Step 1: Know What You Want
You can’t exactly hire the right person when you’re not sure who that is. Don’t be too vague or unclear about what you’re looking for. If your expectations for the employee are constantly changing, they will never have a fair chance of meeting those expectations.
So, when you begin interviewing with the right skills, you should know what skill you are looking for.
Most importantly, do not look for one candidate with all the skills. They will all have their strengths and weaknesses. It is you who must filter and understand what is needed with the role.
Here are some of the skills that you should investigate when preparing to conduct an interview.
Technical Skills: What knowledge or skills does the candidate need to perform the job? This might include things like a coding language, specific design experience, knowledge of certain software tools, etc.
Soft Skills: Are any exceptional communication, collaboration, or problem-solving abilities needed for this role? Consider the conceptual skills that will make someone stay and fit within your team and company culture.
Company Values: Every company has its own culture. Do you want someone who aligns with your organization’s values? This could be creativity, innovation, teamwork, adaptability.
By keeping these in mind, you can design questions around them during the interview.
Step 2: Create Your List of Interview Questions
Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to develop a list of questions. You will want to ask questions that evaluate technical as well as soft skills.
Please don’t make one of these common interviewing mistakes by asking dull and generic questions – you’ll get equally dull and generic answers!
Plus, fail to make the most out of the interview, trying to understand your candidate’s potential.
Here’s how to word your questions
Leaning into the Role
Start with some icebreakers—easy open-ended questions like.
“What made you consider applying for this job?” or
“Tell me a little about yourself.”). This helps people get comfortable and sets the stage for them to tell their stories.
Behavioral Questions
A must in gauging soft skills.
“Can you describe a time when you worked under pressure?”
Or
“Tell me about a challenging project you managed and how you handled it” are great questions to see how candidates react in scenarios they’re likely to encounter.
Role-Specific Questions
When preparing to conduct an interview, always ask questions directly applicable to the job.
For example, if you’re hiring for a marketing position, ask something like, “What’s been your most successful campaign, and why?” Use this time to understand their practical knowledge.
Cultural Fit Questions
These are often overlooked but critical for long-term success. Especially if you plan to keep the candidate for a long-term job role.
You can ask,
“How do you like to collaborate with others?”
Or
“What kind of work environment helps you thrive?” You’re looking for answers that align with YOUR company’s culture!
Step 3: Create a Comfortable Environment
The interview is not only for you to assess the candidate, but also for the candidate to see if they would like to work with you.
It doesn’t matter how much you are offering as a CTC. If candidates sense a hostile environment, they might not be comfortable returning!
Feeling comfortable will help bring out their true self and you don't want to make someone uncomfortable, do you?
This is one of the reasons why we need to make some of the
Not too casual, just friendly – this will lead to much better conversations. After all, you wouldn’t want to lose a promising candidate because of a bad experience.
Start with small talk: A simple “How was your commute?” or “Have you ever been to this part of town before?” can help make things more casual from the get-go.
Explain the structure: Take a second to let candidates know what will happen. Are they expected to walk you through their resume? Will there be time for them to ask questions at the end? Giving them an idea of the agenda will help everyone feel more at ease.
Active listening: It’s important to show that you’re listening by nodding, smiling, and making eye contact. This will also help your candidate feel more at ease, and hopefully, they will give more honest and open answers.
Step 4: Listen and Observe
This one seems simple enough, but it’s big!
A lot of first-time interviewers get so caught up in what they’re going to ask next that they don’t really hear the candidate’s reply.
A successful interview is partly about asking the right questions and partly about hearing the answer (and non-answer) to the question you asked.
Here are a few additional tips on how to conduct an interview!
Take notes: Don’t be afraid to jot down key points as the candidate speaks. It helps you remember important details and can guide your follow-up questions.
Look for red flags: Pay attention to inconsistencies or vague responses. For example, if a candidate can’t provide clear examples of their experience, that could be a red flag.
Step 5: Allow time for questions
This is something that many interviewers (and especially first-time interviewers) tend to miss.
The kinds of questions that candidates come prepared with can tell you much about what’s on the forefront of their minds.
Especially where they’re at with their understanding of the role. Here are some of the unique interview questions that potential candidates might ask you.
Good signs: A candidate who asks thoughtful questions about things like company mission, team dynamics, or opportunities for personal growth is generally someone who is thinking long-term and has a genuine interest here.
Red flags: I would be cautious if a candidate starts off too much about perks, vacation and salary. Maybe their priorities are not on align with the role or company values.
Step 6: Wrap Up the Interview Positively
When the interview is almost over, you have a chance to give candidates any last-minute information that might be important to their decision-making process.
Plus, it’s just polite and keeps your employer's brand intact.
Explain the next steps: Let the candidate know what will happen next. Will they hear back in a week? Is there a second round of interviews? Giving them a timeline helps manage expectations.
Thank them: It’s always a good idea to thank the candidate for their time and interest in the position. A little courtesy goes a long way.
How to Talk About “Futureproofing” in Interviews
One thing hiring guides don’t usually teach you about is futureproofing!
In an age where entire industries are in flux, you need someone who can change along with it. Remember, you’re not hiring for the role today—you’re hiring for where your company will be a year from now. So, how do you know if someone has what it takes to grow and adapt?
Here are some future-proofing questions you can ask:
“How do you keep up with new trends and changes happening in your industry?”
"What about a time you needed to learn new skills or adapt to a big change at work? What steps did you take?"
"What do you think is an area you will need to develop professionally in over the next few years?"
Are you happy with your evaluation processes and tools in place that can evaluate a candidate’s psychological inclination to engage in learning activities?
If not, please adopt aptitude testing as a form of your interview.
Step 7: Evaluating and Comparing Candidates
After the interview, assess candidates while everything is still clear.
Skills and experience: How well-matched were their skills and experience with your must-haves and nice-to-haves? Were there any areas in which they surpassed your expectations?
Personality and culture fit: This is perhaps the most critical factor. Ask yourself if you think they would be a good fit for your team. Did they have values like those of you or your company when it came to work?
Scoring system: I’ve heard of some interviewers who use a 1–5 scale (rating candidates on experience, skill set, communication and others in their interviews. Plus, this helps them make an objective decision, especially if you conduct multiple interviews.
Take a Deep Breathe!
Conducting a job interview for the first time doesn’t need to be nerve-wracking. Preparation, active listening, and creating a comfortable environment are the keys to success.
Remember, an interview is a two-way street: you’re assessing the candidate, but they’re also evaluating whether they want to work with you.
Don’t forget the growing importance of future-proofing. Asking questions that talk about the candidate’s adaptability and desire to grow can help ensure you’re hiring someone who’s ready not just for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s as well.
You’ve got this! Follow these steps of how to conduct an interview, stay calm, and trust the process. Your first interview will be a success.
Read Also:
The Art of Answering Hard Interview Questions
Top Interview Skills You Need to Ace The Job Interview
The complex economic structure in the USA leads to a dynamic job market.
As a result, there are extensive employment opportunities in the country. The sheer number of job prospects can be overwhelming. Hence, having a good idea of popular in-demand jobs 2024 in the USA is better.
In this article, you will learn about the job roles that are in high demand in the United States. Here, you will learn about 11 job roles and the skills and experience you need to secure a particular role. Moreover, you will also have a basic idea of the job structure. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
In Demand Jobs 2024 And The US Job Structure
The US has a diverse job structure, and it rightfully represents the complex economy and the variety of industries. You can choose the best industries to work in in 2024 depending on your skills.
However, depending on your state, your minimum wage can change. In fact, the government and institutions strive to provide fair compensation to workers.
Generally, no matter your state, working hours range from 35 to 40. However, in some jobs, the work hours can extend beyond 40.
However, on average, you have to work 38 hours a week with a shift of 7 to 7.5 hours across 5 days. Additionally, the work culture mostly requires productivity, professionalism, and cooperation.
Moreover, the US job market is constantly evolving. Hence, you cannot make conclusive decisions on major high-demand jobs in the USA. Currently, the most in-demand jobs in the USA include data scientist, financial analyst, software developer, DevOps engineer, cybersecurity expert, and many more.
Hence, if you are looking for a career to focus on, you must look at the jobs in demand in the next section. The 11 jobs you will find in the next section offer competitive salaries and promising career prospects.
11 Most Popular And In-Demand Jobs In 2024
What are the most in-demand jobs in 2024 in the USA? Here are the top 11 jobs that have a high demand:
1. Data Scientist
The following are the major technical skills and education you need if you want to become a data scientist:
Education
Generally, a data scientist must have a degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a similar field. In some cases, employers prefer a master’s degree. Moreover, you must gain some experience through internships, fellowships, and capstone projects.
Skills
To become a data scientist, you must be proficient with programming languages like Python, Java, R, and SQL. Apart from that, you also need to know how to visually represent data with graphs and charts. Therefore, you must know tools like MS Excel, Tableau, and PowerBI.
2. Software Developer
Here are the top skills and educational qualifications you must have to become a software developer:
Education
To become a software developer, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or something similar. Here, you must have extensive programming languages, algorithms, computer architecture, and software engineering knowledge.
Skills
A good software developer not only has an extensive knowledge of programming languages but also has enough problem-solving skills. Apart from that, you also need to pay attention to details and understand trends in technology. Additionally, you need organization and time management skills. This way, you can get opportunities for high-paying jobs.
3. Registered Nurse
The following are the major skills and education you need if you want to become a registered nurse:
Education
A registered nurse must have a Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Apart from that, some nurses also get an associate degree. After an exam, you will have the license to work as a nurse.
Skills
Since registered nurses have a great responsibility to care for patients, it is important to learn technical skills. In addition, you must also learn various soft skills and general qualities of a nurse.
4. Information Security Analyst
Here are the top skills and educational qualifications you must have to become an information security analyst:
Education
To become an information security analyst, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science and information security. Moreover, after graduation, you must develop information security and technical skills and pass relevant certifications like CISSP, CISA, etc.
Skills
Apart from extension knowledge in information and network security, you must have programming skills. Additionally, information security analysts need to have analytical skills since they must assess risks daily. Moreover, you also need problem-solving and communication skills.
5. Data Analyst
The following are the major skills and education you need if you want to become a data analyst:
Education
To become a data analyst, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field like Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or Computer Science. To obtain a Bachelor’s Degree, you will need four years to study. Moreover, you also need to learn how to use programming languages and databases.
Skills
As a data analyst, you must learn programming languages like Python and R. Moreover, you must also learn SQL to access databases. Apart from performing analyses and reports, you must learn to use Microsoft Excel. Furthermore, you also need to learn presentation skills.
6. DevOps Engineer
Here are the top skills and educational qualifications you must have to become a DevOps engineer:
Education
Generally, DevOps engineers have a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, IT, or engineering. Moreover, companies also require employees to have a proven experience as a DevOps engineer.
Skills
A DevOps engineer must have an exceptional knowledge of scripting languages like Python, Bash/Shell, Golang, and others. For configuration management, you must know tools like Puppet, Ansible, and Chef. Moreover, you also need expert knowledge of cloud infrastructures.
Related: Top DevOps Metrics in Development Companies
7. Network And Cybersecurity Expert
The following are the major skills and education you need if you want to become a network and cybersecurity expert:
Education
To become a cybersecurity expert, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, information technology, and a similar field. However, some employers also hire people who have certifications and associate degrees. Additionally, they also need to have relevant experience.
Skills
A cybersecurity expert needs to have deep knowledge of network protocols, system administration, and a basic knowledge of major programming languages. This will help you to develop cybersecurity concepts. Apart from that, you also need to have good communication and presentation skills.
8. Blockchain Engineer
Here are the top skills and educational qualifications you must have to become a Blockchain Engineer:
Education
You do not need to have any strict qualifications to become a Blockchain engineer. However, companies generally look for people with a degree in software engineering and computer science. Also, you must have good knowledge of programming languages like Python, Java, and Solidity.
Skills
To become a Blockchain engineer, you must have five core skills:
Blockchain Architecture
Programming Languages
Cryptography
Smart Contracts
Data Structures/Algorithms
Moreover, you also need to learn Blockchain auditing and encryption. Apart from that, you need to analyze and fortify a Blockchain code.
9. Cloud Developer
The following are the major skills and education you need if you want to become a cloud developer:
Education
Since a cloud developer deals with computer architecture and network systems, companies generally look for people with a computer science or computer engineering background. Here, you must focus on algorithms, programming, network systems, and computer architecture.
Skills
You must be proficient with programming languages like Python, C#, and Java. Moreover, you need expertise with major cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. Hence, consider getting associate-level certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate.
10. UX Designer
Here are the top skills and educational qualifications you must have to become a UX Designer:
Education
To become a UX designer, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field. For instance, you can consider getting a degree in computer science, graphic design, or psychology. This will provide you with a strong foundation. Moreover, you can take a short certificate course in UX.
Skills
As a UX Designer, you must be proficient in tools like Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, and InVision. Apart from that, the job requires you to have excellent communication and collaboration skills. Also, you must be able to present and defend your designs.
11. Digital Marketing Specialist
The following are the major skills and education you need if you want to become a digital marketing specialist:
Education
Although having a Bachelor’s Degree in any field is acceptable, having an advertising, communications, marketing, or business background will be a bonus. Basically, you need to gain experience to land a good job in digital marketing.
Skills
Some essential digital marketing skills include:
Content Creation
SEO
Data Analysis
Communication
Looking Foward
Currently, the US is facing a shortage of skilled labor. Hence, there will be multiple jobs in demand in 2024.
Hence, if you are looking for a top position, you must develop your skills and choose a career to focus on. Depending on your current skills and preferences, choose a job role and develop your skills accordingly.
Do you have more suggestions on how to choose a job role? Please share your opinions in the comments section below.
Read Also:
The Benefits Of Custom Software Development
These are the Top 15 Best Paying Trades Jobs in 2024!
Career Spotlight: Becoming A Market Research Analyst
Humans have always had to face illness, from the dawn of civilization onward to today. We’ve faced plague, chronic illness, sudden disease, injury, and more at the hands of other humans and natural processes. The unfortunate reality for us is that our mortality also means facing some of life’s most difficult challenges, and facing sickness is something none of us want to do. The healthcare field exists to help with those illnesses, providing treatment, recovery, and support.
Why will the medical field always be in demand?
1. Unfortunately, Sickness Will Always Be A Reality:
Some of the oldest diseases to plague mankind date back to about 8,000 B.C.E., long before humans ever stepped foot on the moon or discovered antibiotics. As long as there have been microbes and animals for them to attach to, there has been illness. The unfortunate truth for us is that illness and disease will always be a part of human life, short of a sci-fi-esque superpower that prevents all illnesses.
Where there is an illness, there needs to be care—and our healthcare providers are there to provide it. There will always be jobs in the field. Even during economic downturns, people still get sick. New jobs open up as technology advances and healthcare techniques evolve. Even as things like AI and machine learning come into play, you simply can’t replace the people that operate on the frontlines of our healthcare industry, providing more than just care and medical knowledge to patients.
2. It Takes A Certain Kind Of Person To Do Specific Jobs In The Field:
The truth about working in healthcare is that it’s simply not for everyone. Some jobs involve long hours, stressful environments, and can even expose you to potentially harmful conditions. Let’s take our frontline workers during the pandemic, for example. We’ve all seen the pictures on social media and in the news of healthcare workers with marks on their faces from wearing masks for hours on end, their tired eyes looking at us mournfully to please follow COVID guidelines. Working in such an environment isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It takes a certain kind of compassion and empathy to put yourself at risk to help others. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with not wanting to do that—it’s just not something that everyone can be happy about doing on a daily basis.
This does create a certain demand, however. Since not just anyone can jump into scrubs and work a 12-hour shift in a hospital, there are often openings in the field. Not every job will require such dedication and personal risk, but you get the point.
3. The Industry Is Always Growing And Changing:
As we learn to better understand the human body, disease, and illness, the healthcare industry evolves and changes. We’ve come a long way from the Greek theory of four humors, but that doesn’t mean we know everything, or will ever know everything. What it does mean is that there will always be new kinds of jobs added to the healthcare field as new technology and methods emerge.
Even as AI becomes more prevalent in a number of industries, something like healthcare needs people. AI simply can’t match the caring, compassionate nature of an actual person providing care to someone who’s sick. It can’t console a family when their loved one is diagnosed with cancer. It can’t hold their hand while they undergo a serious operation.
The bottom line is that the industry will always change and evolve, adding new jobs and techniques, but it will always need people. People are the core of the healthcare industry.
4. Training Is Becoming More Streamlined:
The industry becomes more and more competitive as training programs become more streamlined. Now, you can complete training for certain positions entirely online. This leaves more flexibility and inclusivity in the industry, but can also mean more competition. You can obtain a medical billing and coding certification online in just under a year, setting you up to enter the field very quickly.
But remember that others are also taking that path, potentially blocking you from your career if you’re not doing something that helps you stand out.
5. Not Every Job Requires A Degree:
When you think of healthcare, you automatically think of doctors and nurses in scrubs and white lab coats, but the truth is, there are thousands of healthcare jobs out there, and many don’t require a degree. You can become a medical biller/coder/pharmacy tech or even a dental assistant without a degree. You’ll need to get certified and complete a training program, but you won’t be in a college setting for years on end, and you won’t be thousands in debt at the end of the program. A course in Basic Life Support (BLS) can be attended online, providing you with a legitimate certificate afterward.
6. We’re Unhealthy:
The truth is that the United States is not a healthy nation. Heart disease is still the number one killer of adults in the US and in many parts of the world, and things like smoking, poor eating habits, and lethargic lifestyles contribute to this pandemic. We don’t eat well, many of us don’t get enough exercise, and we practice poor stress management habits; all of which contribute to poor public health. We like to think we’re number one at a lot of things, but the sad fact is that we only fall at about 35 on the world scale when it comes to health and healthcare. 35th place is far from being a winner.
7. The Pandemic Has Shown Us Its Shortcomings:
If there’s any sort of “silver lining” in the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, it’s that the sudden onslaught of the disease has brought into sharp focus the glaring problems that exist in our current healthcare system. The bottom line? We don’t have the right infrastructure, enough dedicated people, or a good insurance system to care for our citizens. We need people who are compassionate and willing to put themselves at personal risk for others, and that’s rare enough nowadays.
Read Also:
Ensuring Quality Healthcare with Correct Diagnoses
Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out
