First Formal Interview

Step three is the first formal interview. Hopefully, you have five candidates prepared to come in and visit with your interview panel. This is the step of the interview process that generally takes the most time, but is also the most rewarding. For the first time, you get to meet your candidates face to face.

Let’s cover each of these resources: 

The Candidate Interview Log – The purpose of the Candidate Interview Log is to help you maintain a consistent interview process. You’ll want the same set of panels of interviewers throughout the process while you’re hiring for this same position. So, go ahead and get your Candidate Interview Log, and use one of these forms for each candidate. Write their name at the top, followed by the names of the interviewers, their notes, and overall score. Keep this form on record for three years. 

As mentioned earlier, you want to ensure that each candidate has your standard applications filled out prior to speaking with them and asking any formal interview questions. After you ensure that you have received that standard application and check it to ensure they can legally work in the United States, go ahead and give them our Sample Math Test. This math test is comprised of basic algebraic equations that are generally taught by the 7th grade. So, each question should take approximately 30 seconds to one minute. Go ahead and issue the test with instructions that the candidate cannot use any calculators or assistance. 

Then go ahead and grade this test using our Sample Math Test Key prior to starting your interview. A score of 10 out of 10 is easily attainable. So, this is another standardized way to assess your candidates without getting into any optometry or optometric knowledge at all. If you have someone working in your office, you may want to ensure they’re capable of completing simple math problems. This also demonstrates that they have problem-solving abilities. 

Wonderful job. You’ve made it all the way to the First Interview Questionnaire. The purpose of this document again is to standardize the information that you’re gathering from each candidate. They filled out your standard application, passed your math test. The next step is to invite them back to get started with your panel of interviewers. You’ll have a room or location reserved for this special engagement. 

If you’re following along with developing your interview process binder, you will have already added your logo, and customized the questions for the first formal interview. Just for reference, let me go ahead and name off up to this point, where your interview process binder should be. So far, we’ve covered Say This, Not That; interview questions to avoid. Then, we covered Telephone Filter Questionnaire. You ensured you had a copy of it and an Application for Employment. This was an external resource and generally available in 50 sheet packs at general office supply stores. Next, we discussed the Candidate Interview Log, the Sample Math Test, the Sample Math Test Key, the First Interview Questionnaire.

And the final resource of step three is our Patient Communications Facilitator Job Description. Go ahead and use this job description and build the remaining positions within your office according to how you conduct day-to-day operations and the skill levels you’re seeking. Refer to the Interview Procedure resource for step-by-step instructions for number three, the interview process. This will incorporate the four documents that we just covered in tandem.