1. On the first day of recruiting my HR director said to me…Have an interview plan: Would you give a presentation or lead a meeting without an agenda? Apply the same principles in interviewing candidates.

2. Are we up to the turtle doves yet…Save time and money: Interviewing should be a step by step process! At each point in the process, evaluate the situation and determine if you should go to the next step.

3. On the third day three CEO’s said to me…Work as a team: In advance, discuss expectations/desired requirements with all colleagues involved in the hiring process; this will ideally ensure a smooth and efficient search.

4. Four candidates calling…Prepare your interview: If you have many colleagues interviewing the same candidate, each person should ask a different question. Usually situational interviewing questions are the most effective questions to determine how someone thinks. Take notes and regroup soon after meeting with a candidate.

5. The rings please…Stay on the right track: Ask questions that are pertinent to the position and effective in uncovering the candidate’s viability for the position. Try to be realistic regarding skill set.

6. Geese lay it on the line…Have them prove it: Rather than focusing on results written on their resume, have the candidate prove their thought process by asking behavioral based questions such as: “Provide an example whereby you had to influence your boss to your way of thinking”.

7. The Swans say…Be upfront and honest: Describe the dilemma - why you have an open position. The more you engage a candidate in your hiring needs, the more they will want to help you solve it.

8. We can’t use the maids are milking so…Keep your options open: Be positive in your interviews and “sell” the candidate on the opportunity, yourself and your company.

9. Presenting the dancers…Leave an excellent impression: Candidates will share their experiences and perceptions of you and your company with people in the industry. This contributes to the “buzz” about your company. Make sure the buzz is working for you.

10. On the tenth day take a leap…Let’s talk dollars and cents: To quote John Ruskin - “It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s also unwise to pay too little.” Most people don’t make career changes for money, but they don’t make changes for less money either!

11. The Pipers are not piping they are…Assigning Homework: Have your final candidate make a presentation. It is a sure fire way to get to the heart of the matter.

12. And drum roll please…Close the candidate: Ask the tough questions: “what other opportunities are you entertaining” - address other offers and counter-offers. Don’t make assumptions!