Note Taking during the Interview

The following article is excerpted from Hiring Source Book by Cathy Fyock.

Taking notes allows the hiring manager and HR professional to document responses to inquiries and permits the interviewer to remember each candidate's responses. Thus, the practice enables the interviewer to objectively compare responses.

¨    Never take notes on the application form. The application is a legal document and should bear the handwriting of the applicant only.

¨    Have the applicant fill in any blanks on the application form. The interviewer should never fill in any missing information.

¨    Similarly, don't use correction fluid on the application form.

¨    Take notes on a separate sheet of paper or, ideally, on the interview guide.

¨    Write only key words or phrases. Don't try to capture candidates' responses word for word.

¨    Take notes on positive as well as negative comments. Candidates may be distracted if they see the interviewer taking notes only during conversations that they perceive to be negative (for example, when discussing reasons for terminations or gaps in employment history).

¨    Avoid codes, especially those that may be misconstrued as discriminatory (for example, coding the ethnicity of a candidate, marital status, or number of children.)

¨    Do not make notes regarding the physical attributes of the candidate because such comments may also be construed as discriminatory.

Hiring Source Book:

A Collection of Practical Samples 

Fyock Wins Volunteer Leader Award

Kentucky SHRM, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, recognizes candidates who routinely invest significant time, effort, and professional expertise in serving the human resource professional or advancing the human resource profession on a voluntary basis. Named for Lyle Hanna, SPHR, this award was created in recognition of Lyle's tireless, visionary, volunteer leadership that has both served the HR professional and advanced the profession in the state of Kentucky

The winner of this award for the 2006 - 2007 year was Cathy Fyock, CSP, SPHR.  Catherine D. Fyock CSP, SPHR has held a number of SHRM volunteer positions, including past president of Louisville SHRM. Additionally, she has served in numerous SHRM national roles, including past president of the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), chair of the SHRM HR Consultants Board of Governors, and chair of the HRD Committee. Cathy currently serves as the Workforce Readiness co-director on the KYSHRM State Council. She has been invited to speak at the National SHRM Conference every year since 1987.

Selected Engagements from Cathy's Calendar

¨      April 26, Arkansas SHRM Conference, "Business Responses to an Aging Workforce: Are you ready?" Ft. Smith, AR

¨      May 3, Wyoming Governor's Conference on Aging, keynote "America's Workforce is Coming of Age," and breakout "Finding the Gold in the Graying of America: Recruiting Older Workers," Casper, WY

¨      May 24, Whip Mix, "Performance Management Skills for Managers: Part II," Louisville, KY

¨      May 30 - 31, Papa John's, "Consultative Skills for HR Professionals," Louisville, KY

¨      June 13 - 14, Exchange Bank, "Recruiting and Selecting Great Employees," Santa Rosa, CA

¨      June 23 - 27, SHRM Annual Conference, "Business Responses to an Aging Workforce: Are You Ready?" Las Vegas, NV

About Cathy Fyock

Are you looking for a high-content speaker for your next conference or meeting?  Call or email Cathy to find out how she can work with you to meet your specific goals and objectives.

Cathy Fyock, CSP, SPHR, is an employment strategist-helping organizations develop strategies to recruit and retain top talent in an aging and changing marketplace.  For nearly 20 years she has combined her knowledge of work-force issues and her talents as a speaker to provide innovative and inspirational learning events. She has helped organizations attract top talent, reduce turnover, and improve productivity in a volatile labor market.

"Thanks so much for your outstanding presentation. Our evaluations were outstanding, and our clients are still calling regarding the quality of your presentation and the ideas which they can take back and immediately implement in their organizations. You are truly an expert in your field and a great speaker."

--Thomas Kelley, SPHR, IEC Group

Permission to Reproduce This Newsletter

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