Interview questions

I need to interview 6 people for 2 spots in a couplee of weeks. This is a seasonal part time job, but it can be pretty demanding and stressful at times. Basically I am hiring them tto manage non-profit events where the technology I sell is used. So far I have 49 events booked this year and I simply cannot manage them all and need to complete a great team to handle these events. Anyone have any suggestions? thanks

Re: Interview questions

I used to do a lot of interviewing in my old job. I think it's important to ask open-ended questions about the skills and attributes you want your hirees to possess in a way that elicits substantive, specific responses (not just empty words like "yes, I work well under pressure.").

So I would ask things like:

1) Examples of instances in their professional career when they were challenged to work under pressure (multi-task, meet tight deadlines, handle competing demands) and were successful.

2) Have they had to work independently (rely on their own professional judgment) in the past? Examples? Did they like it, or do they prefer to be managed more closely?

3) Do they have good time management skills? How did they develop them? In what type of situations have they had to use time management skills in the past?

4) If they don't have event management experience, what types of skills and experience do they have that they believe will translate well to the job? What strengths do they bring to the position?

5) If they do have past event management or similar experience -- what was their most challenging event? Why? What's an event that they handled/worked on that they were proud of? Why?

6) What do they think will be the most difficult aspect of this job for them?

7) What are they looking for, ideally, in a position? What do they hope to get out of this (besides the obvious - $!)?

Also, aside from what you ask them - I would be very upfront about the job requirements and your expectations when you meet with them. Make it clear that although it's a seasonal, part-time position, it is, at times, stressful and demanding and you are looking for someone who is willing to do x, y, and z. I mean, you don't want to make it sound like a horrible position, but you want to let people know what's entailed so that people who can't commit or don't want to deal with the situation may weed themselves out. It's better in the long-run!

Re: Interview questions

Thanks Christine. This is awesome! Luckily I have a colleague who assists us and he has (hopefully) weeded out those whom are not a good fit Thanks so much

Re: Interview questions

I also think you need to find out why they are interested in something P/T and seasonal.

I feel like a lot of people unfortunately are not as committed with a position like this.

We weed out A LOT of ppl this way at my job.

You can ask about what other kinds of obligations they have.

There are so many ppl we come across where I am currently, that work somewhere else F/T and we have learned from experience, will sign up to work with us, then cancel when they had a long day at their F/T job.

Is this for the holiday season? Maybe you'd have good luck targeting students who are looking to make $$$ and gain experience to build their resume.