Interviewing from the Recruiter’s Perspective: Part 2

In my last article, I discussed some of the general areas for evaluating a candidate during an interview.  This time I am outlining the specific skills sets or core competencies where you may be scored.  Your grade could be “Exceptional,” “Strong,” “Capable,” “Average,” “Below Average,” or “Unacceptable.”  Again, employers have a mental checklist of what they are looking for, so seeing it from their angle can give you an advantage.  Ask yourself, “How would I rate my performance in these important skill sets?”

Analytical ability to logically and systematically solve complex problems and concepts based on available information

  1. Demonstrates quantitative skills
  2. Probes for causes not merely symptoms

Communication – ability to listen carefully and get one’s point across persuasively following spoken and written language rules

  1. Articulates confidently a compelling message both orally and in writing
  2. Captures your interest with succinct and well organized responses
  3. Listens effectively, understands the information and responds unambiguously
  4. Uses vocabulary appropriate to situations to express oneself
  5. Explains things plainly to people from different backgrounds and presents a clear case
  6. Uses appropriate voice level to convey enthusiasm about the job
  7. Gives specific examples to support qualifications

Initiative – ability to see innovative ways of doing things, seize opportunities and take initiative to improve a process

  1. Develops a strategic or long-term vision
  2. Identifies opportunities not obvious to others
  3. Generates a range of options
  4. Translates ideas to action

Leadership – ability to enlist the support of others to achieve results

  1. Seeks and accepts leadership roles and responsibilities

Learning ability to manage one’s own learning, continuous improvement, expansion of knowledge and skill sets

  1. Open to new ideas and techniques
  2. Actively seeks a range of mediums to learn such as mentoring, peer support, workshops and networking
  3. Displays an enthusiasm for ongoing learning in any setting, on and off the job
  4. Invests time and effort into learning new skills

Organizational – ability to identify key issues, to prioritize time and tasks, and to manage resources to reach objectives

  1. Establishes clear project goals and deliverables
  2. Collects, analyzes and organizes information
  3. Plans, coordinates and manages activities, people, resources and time according to priorities
  4. Adapts to interruptions, changes and repetition without losing efficiency or focus

Problem-Solving – ability to offer solutions by analyzing a situation, exploring options and implementing an action plan

  1. Develops creative, practical and new approaches to handle problems
  2. Applies a range of strategies and optimally uses resources to resolve issues

Self-Management – ability to successfully achieve personal and professional goals and take responsibility for one’s own actions

  1. Evaluates and monitors one’s own performance
  2. Articulates one’s ideas and vision; plans ahead

Teamwork – ability to work well with others and recognize the contributions of group members

  1. Works effectively independently or collaborates as part of a team of people with different backgrounds
  2. Takes different roles in a team environment
  3. Identifies strengths and weaknesses of team members and gives constructive feedback
  4. Shares credit with others for accomplishments

Technical ability to stay up on current technology and its applications

  1. Maintains a range of IT skills
  2. Willing to learn additional IT skills
  3. Selects appropriate technology for a given task



Keep Climbing,

Dr. Tom

Need Help?

Need a Speaker?

(518) 366-8451

Dr. Tom Denham