An effective job interview should be a two-way interaction. The employee wants to find out if he wants to work for your company as much as you want to find out if he is the right candidate. To impress prospective employees, you should be aware of the top 10 qualities employees look for in a potential employer.
Career Growth
An employee wants to know that her hard work will be rewarded with greater responsibility, a higher income and career growth. Be ready to discuss a candidate's prospective career path during the interview.
Culture
An employee would be more likely to accept your job offer if he felt comfortable with the people he will be working alongside. Make your current employees part of the interview process to help the candidate determine if he can exist in your culture. This includes items such as how current employees talk about the company and management, whether or not current employees seem happy in their jobs and how much turnover the company has experienced during the previous few months.
Benefits
The less an employee has to pay for benefits, the more attractive the job offer looks. An employee wants to take home as much of her pay as possible while still having paid time off and affordable health benefits.
Financial Stability
Do not be surprised if your candidate has done his research on the past financial performance of your company. The candidate may have read news articles on your company's past wins and losses, and he will have questions. Do not shy away from discussing your company's financial stability, but rather use it as a selling point.
Perks
Benefits and a salary are important to an employee, but perks help make the job offer more attractive. Perks can include a car allowance, half days on Fridays, floating holidays or a profit-sharing plan.
Honesty
Your candidate will have many questions, and it is important that you be honest in your answers. Questions that may seem damaging can become a positive experience if you remain truthful in your answers. If the candidate finds out that you lied in the interview, he is not going to accept your job offer.
Work Hours
Employees often have certain work hours that the prefer to be assigned, so try to have as flexible of a scheduling policy as possible. By having a variety of work hours to choose from, you can help fit your company into your candidate's schedule.
Recognition
Having publicly posted employee recognition programs can help sway a candidate to work for your company. Make sure that part of your initial tour of the facilities to new candidates includes a walk past the "Employee of the Month" wall. Candidates would appreciate knowing that their efforts could be recognized.
Growth
Company growth ties together the financial stability and career path items previously mentioned. If a candidate sees consistent growth in the company, then that can open up future opportunity and a chance at greater income. It can also mean that the candidate could be part of the development of a brand new division in the company, and that added responsibility is attractive to many potential candidates.
Need
A candidate wants to know that you need someone with her background and experience. Have detailed job descriptions ready to discuss in every interview, and be sure to match up an employee's experience with company need. Employees that are not challenged by their work because their skills are not being utilized are often looking for a new job after only a few months.
