Before we begin to detail how to select the proper candidate for your organization, it is key that the whole interview process be summarized into a few simple questions. Although these questions may never be directly asked in the interview, they identify exactly what the interviewer should be thinking when meeting with a job candidate. These questions are:

• WHY ARE YOU HERE? Out of all of the different organizations, why did you select our firm?
• WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR US? What are your skills and special abilities?
• WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU? Do you have a warm personality? Do you get along well with others? Will you fit well into our organizational structure?
• CAN WE AFFORD YOU? What are your minimum salary requirements, and what are your maximum salary expectations?

The phrases that most other employers use to describe the qualities they look for in a prospective employee are:

• Capability
• Potential
• Genuine interest in the job
• Genuine interest in the firm
• Appropriate background/experiences
• Expertise
• Relevant interests
• Ability to relate to others
• Ability to handle authority
• Independent decision-making skills
• Ability to fit in socially
• Ability to fit in technically

Remember the person sitting in front of you is scared, nervous and needs a job.