Interviewing

One question that I get quite a bit is, "How can I make sure that someone can do, what they say they can do, during an interview?". Unless you can get them to agree to a polygraph test, you will have to rely on your own sleuthing skills. One way I have found to be successful for the small business owner is to ask behavioral style interview questions. Behavioral style interview questions ask the candidate how they have handled a particular situation in the past. You may ask for a specific example as well. Instead of asking “how do you handle stressful situations”, ask “how did you handle a stressful situation at the last company you worked for and what was the result”. This prevents elaborate, made-up answers that may or may not have any actual substance to them. What you are looking for is someone who has experience with the skill set that you are seeking. To find more examples of behavioral style interview questions review this link http://career.berkeley.edu/Article/010928a.stm.

The TSBDC offers free and confidential one-on-one counseling for existing and start up small businesses. To register for go to www.tsbdc.org.Other contact information - Phone (615) 230-4780 www.volstate.edu/tsbdcThe Tennessee Small Business Development Center Network is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and local community donors.