In my previous role as a manager and in my current position I regularly interview potential employees. It is a difficult task, but also an exciting challenge. In many cases, my final analysis will determine the course of an individual's career. It is a very demanding and meticulous role, and I try to take it very seriously. In this paper, I will discuss my role as an interviewer and the steps I take to ensure a good interview. I will analyze my actions in a recent interview and discuss ways for improvement.
             Every interview I conduct is usually with an individual who is looking for a new job. I conduct anywhere from one to six interviews per day. It can be very tedious and tiring, but I use a basic structure that enables me to do an effective job each time. Each candidate interview is a quest for knowledge. My goal is to understand what the candidate wants in his or her next job, and to determine whether they have the necessary tools to fit any positions that are currently open. When I say "tools" I refer to not only technical skills, but any social skills as well.
             I recently conducted an interview in which I was somewhat unfamiliar with the candidate's skills. While I don't profess to be an expert in most areas, I do need to possess an understanding of many different technologies in order to effectively evaluate individuals. In this particular interview, I needed to research the technology this candidate was using. I did this by reading various publications the company subscribes to, and also by surfing the web. It is the latter that I find the most information. Once I feel I have a good grasp, I then familiarize myself with the candidate's background. Many people have a difficult time creating an effective resume. I write down obvious questions that pop into my head as I read the resume. These are typically questions about length of time at a previous job, particulars regarding responsibilities at a certain j...