In this episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," hosts Jennifer Glass, Patricia Reszetylo and Daniel McCraine engage in a comprehensive discussion on the art and science of interviewing new team members. The conversation begins with the team sharing personal experiences and cautionary tales about intimidating or mishandled interviews, highlighting the importance of making candidates feel comfortable while avoiding overwhelming or legally risky practices. From an anecdote about facing a 12-to-1 interview panel to the potential legal implications of asking the wrong questions or promising a probationary period, the hosts underline that understanding both the formal and informal rules of interviewing is crucial for any business owner or hiring manager.

Beyond the pitfalls, the episode offers a wealth of actionable advice for structuring interviews that are both effective and compliant. Daniel emphasizes the value of behavioral-based questions while warning about potential embellishment and legal boundaries, and Jennifer explores best practices around skill assessments—such as when it’s appropriate to offer a paid project as part of the selection process. They also touch on how the formality or informality of an interview can be shaped by company culture, the specific role, or even the setting—ranging from structured office interviews to informal coffee shop meetings. Throughout, there’s a focus on clarity, professionalism, and not inadvertently leading candidates to believe they’ve secured a role. The discussion wraps with tips on evaluating fit, encouraging honest feedback, managing awkward silences for deeper insight, and ensuring both sides know how success will be measured in the role. Whether you’re new to hiring or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you conduct interviews that result in the right hires and a stronger, more cohesive team.

Keywords: interview process, hiring manager, business owner, soft skills, group interview, intimidating interviews, illegal interview questions, job candidate, probationary period, at-will employment, employment contracts, behavioral interview questions, embellishment in interviews, workplace ethics, conflict resolution, paid interviews, interview project, intellectual property, skill demonstration, VA trial projects, company culture, formality in interviews, employee onboarding, team compatibility, c-suite interview strategies, role expectations, success metrics, interview best practices, candidate assessment, lawsuit risk in hiring