Ask HRLite: My new job requires me to interview job applicants. I was wondering whether I should take notes during the interview or whether it is more important to pay attention to the applicant’s answers?
HRLite’s Reply: Our memories tend to be limited. Therefore, it is a good idea to take notes during the interview. Of course, you will need to balance this with paying attention to what the applicant says and also to nonverbal cues offered by the applicant. So, take notes as needed but also be an active, involved listener.
As with many skills, your ability to coordinate asking questions, listening for answers, and taking notes, will improve with time and experience. Remember also, the person you are interviewing will probably be nervous. So do not be afraid to be honest with them and tell them you are relatively new at interviewing and may need some extra time to take notes or organize your thoughts. You may want to say “I want you to know that at times I will be taking notes during this interview. I need to document what is being said. This is a natural part of the process and I do it with everyone that I interview.” This tends to relax the applicant and also helps to build rapport.
Many organizations have now moved to semi-structured or structured interviews. In this type of interview, each candidate is asked the same question. For this type of interview, you may be asked to take more copious and detailed notes.
If you have not had training in interviewing, it may be helpful. Contact your HR department to see if the offer interview training.
