INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE SCORECARD

Let's assume for the moment that you just had an important interview. You're on your way home, deep in thought wondering how you did.  Did I make the right impression? Well, how would you know if you don't know how you're being evaluated. 

Organizations I know use an interview scorecard to rate a candidates interview. These employers have a proven approach to identifying the right fit for the company.  With the expense of onboarding (acclimating) a new employee or having a high employee turnover (leaving) rate the more enlightened employers are investing in how candidates are screened, interviewed and selected. The goal is to recruit strong performers with both the skills and the attitude that are the right fit for the organization.  

Still the majority of employers are focused on skill set and take a guess at attitude. And still more continue to use behavioral interviewing — questioning based on the belief that how a person responded to a past situation predicts how that person will respond when that situation arises again. 

I'm not going to debate the merits of attitude hiring vs. skill hiring or attitude questions vs. behavioral questions. Instead I'm giving you a picture of how you are being evaluated as a job candidate regardless of interviewing style. The things you can control in the interview.  It starts from the moment you walk in the door, greet the receptionist and sign in.

Greeting

• Arrived on time
  
• Offered a firm handshake
• Dressed professionally
• Looked alert and attentive
• Appeared comfortable and calm

Verbal Communication

• Projected a pleasant tone
• Spoke at an appropriate volume
• Avoided filler words (e.g. um, uh, you know)
• Remained focused (no rambling)
• Responded to questions in a clear, concise and organized manner
• Conveyed interest in the position, company and industry
• Listened to and demonstrated an understanding of questions
• Asked insightful questions

Non-verbal Communication

• Smiled and exhibited pleasant facial expressions
• Made effective eye contact
• Used hand gestures appropriately (without fidgeting)
• Maintained good posture
• Avoided distracting mannerisms or the appearance of nervousness
• Projected confidence and enthusiasm
• Project positivity

Closing

• Asked what the next steps in the process will be
• Thanked the interviewer for being considered

© 2012 More Than A Resumé