Topgrading

I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with a client last week, helping train several members of their HR team on effective Topgrading interviewing techniques.  Everyone was trying hard to follow the interview guide, ask good probing questions, and take copious notes…but almost all of them simply talked too much. 

 

For those of you who have done just a few tandem Topgrading Interviews, or if you have done a bunch and are not getting the results you expected, try this: for the next few interviews, follow the interview guide to the letter.  Ask the questions exactly as they are written in the exact order they are presented.  And, most importantly, just ask the question and then be quiet. 

 

For example, after the interviewee has told you about several accomplishments and how they were achieved, say, “Wow John, it seems as though you really achieved a lot in this job.  On the flipside, what would you say were mistakes experienced in this job, or if you could wind the clock back, what would you do differently?”  And then, be quiet and wait for the answer (which may also involve another interview technique, the pregnant pause).

 

You will appear to be more confident in your interviewing skills and the interviewee will be more apt model your style and give you a concise, straightforward answer.  Ultimately, you will get more information and be able to make a better hiring or promoting decision.