Interviewing candidates can feel just as stressful for employers as it does for applicants. If you're not used to the process, it’s easy to lose focus and miss essential details.
As the interview ends, you may realise you didn’t gather the insights needed to make an informed decision.
Here are some key tips to help you run successful interviews and select the best team members for your UK-based campsite.
Preparing for the Interview
Before meeting any applicant, proper preparation is crucial. At least 15 minutes prior to the interview, review the candidate’s CV thoroughly to identify:
- Key red flags: Gaps in employment, inconsistent roles, overly long training periods or frequent job changes. These areas should be addressed directly during the interview.
- Relevant experience: Focus on the roles most aligned with your needs. Explore successes, failures, skills development, and adaptability.
- Your initial impressions: First impressions based on formatting, spelling, and presentation are valid. Use the interview to confirm or challenge this perception.
Welcoming the Candidate
First impressions matter. A job interview is a two-way exchange — both parties are assessing compatibility.
Make sure to create a welcoming and relaxed environment from the start. Greet the candidate with a smile, and offer them a drink (tea, coffee, or water) to make them feel comfortable.
Take this opportunity to briefly explain how the interview will unfold.
Asking the Right Questions
Start with a general open-ended question such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Walk me through your career path.” These help the candidate open up, while giving you valuable insight into their communication style and confidence.
Such questions are great for assessing energy, authenticity, and interpersonal skills.
Then move to more targeted questions, particularly around key roles or responsibilities. You might also want to use role-play or situational questions to test relevant skills.
This stage should feel like a dialogue rather than a rigid Q&A session. Offer insights into the role, your expectations, and campsite working conditions.
Clarify any grey areas on the CV, such as:
- Why were there so many job changes?
- What were you doing during this employment gap?
Lastly, explore their motivations: Why do they want to work at your campsite? What attracts them to this role?
Always end the interview by inviting questions. A well-prepared candidate will usually have at least one.
Showing the Campsite
After the interview, offering a short tour of the site can help relax the candidate while allowing you to continue your assessment informally.
Remote Interviews
Especially for seasonal roles, candidates may not always be available to visit in person. In such cases, prefer video calls (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet) over phone interviews.
This lets you observe body language, enthusiasm, and gives the candidate a visual overview of your campsite via screen sharing or video walkthroughs.
By applying these simple yet effective tips, you'll greatly improve your hiring process and develop long-term recruitment reflexes tailored to your campsite’s needs.