Having spent the last decade recruiting within the maritime sector, I’ve worked closely with clients who are often pressed for time, eager to find the right candidate as quickly as possible. While we frequently focus on preparing candidates for interviews—encouraging them to research the company, rehearse potential questions, and anticipate scenarios—it’s equally crucial for clients and interviewers to be well-prepared.

As an employer, you invest significant time and resources into the recruitment process. Making your interviews as effective as possible is essential not only for immediate success but also to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of rehiring if the initial candidate turns out to be a poor fit. With that in mind, here are my top tips for conducting a successful interview from a client’s perspective:

1. Consider Company Culture

When hiring, it’s not just about finding someone who can do the job—it’s about finding someone who will thrive in your organisation’s culture. Evaluate whether the candidate aligns with your company’s values and work environment, as this is often a key factor in long-term success.

2. Tailor Your Approach

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in interviews. Instead of relying on a standard set of questions, customise your interview based on the candidate’s LinkedIn profile, CV, and relevant experience. This approach shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their unique qualifications.

3. Leverage Personality Profiling

To gain deeper insights into a candidate’s suitability, consider using a personality profiling tool. These tools can generate interview questions tailored to the individual’s personality traits, helping you assess how they might fit within your team. At Spinnaker, we recommend the Facet5 personality profiling tool, which some of our clients have successfully integrated into their recruitment process.

4. Provide Constructive Feedback

Regardless of the outcome, it’s important to offer feedback to candidates after the interview. If they’ve invested time in preparing for the opportunity, they deserve to know how they performed. Constructive feedback is valuable, whether they were successful or not, and can help them improve for future opportunities.

5. Be Honest

Candidates appreciate honesty from potential employers, especially if it’s something they can use to better themselves in future interviews. Don’t shy away from sharing if you felt they were underprepared or lacked specific skills—this transparency can be invaluable for their professional growth.

If you’re an employer in search of your next great hire, feel free to reach out to me via email or phone. I’m here to help make your recruitment process as smooth and successful as possible.