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Human Resources

Advanced Interviewing Techniques for Managers and Employers

This course equips managers and employers with advanced interviewing techniques to enhance candidate selection. Participants will learn to assess competencies, improve questioning strategies, and apply behavioural analysis, ensuring they make informed hiring decisions that align with organisational goals.

5 days Classroom or live online English
Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants
Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Selecting the right candidate is critical for organisational success, as hiring mistakes can lead to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and a negative impact on team dynamics. Managers often struggle with identifying the best fit for their teams, which can result in costly hiring errors. This course addresses these challenges by providing advanced techniques that enhance the interview process, ensuring a more effective selection of candidates. Participants will learn how to formulate targeted questions, assess responses critically, and apply behavioural analysis to make informed hiring decisions that align with their organisational values and goals.

Effective interviewing is not just about asking questions; it requires a strategic approach to evaluate candidates thoroughly. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real interview scenarios, allowing them to refine their questioning techniques and assess candidate competencies accurately. By mastering these advanced interviewing skills, managers will be better equipped to navigate complex hiring decisions, improve their team's performance, and foster a positive workplace culture. This course prepares participants to implement structured frameworks and evidence-based assessments, ultimately leading to better hiring outcomes and enhanced organisational effectiveness.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

  • Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
  • Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
  • Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.
Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, role-playing exercises, and case studies to build participants' interviewing capabilities. Each session includes practical simulations where participants practice advanced questioning techniques and behavioural assessments. Participants will produce structured interview guides, competency matrices, and evaluation reports as evidence of their learning, enabling them to apply these skills in their hiring processes immediately. The hands-on approach ensures that participants can translate theory into practice, refining their skills in a supportive environment that encourages feedback and collaboration among peers. This methodology fosters an engaging learning atmosphere that promotes confidence and competence in advanced interviewing techniques.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Analyse candidate responses to assess competencies and fit for the role.
  • Design structured interview frameworks that align with organisational goals.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of different questioning techniques in eliciting relevant information.
  • Compare behavioural and situational interviewing methods to determine their applicability.
  • Construct a competency matrix to guide the interview process and decision-making.
  • Justify hiring decisions based on gathered evidence and structured assessments.
Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

  • Hiring Managers responsible for recruitment processes.
  • HR Professionals involved in talent acquisition and management.
  • Team Leaders seeking to enhance their interviewing skills.
  • Recruitment Specialists aiming to improve candidate evaluation techniques.
Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

  • Conducting structured interviews with a focus on competencies.
  • Utilising behavioural analysis to assess candidate suitability.
  • Implementing advanced questioning techniques effectively.
  • Developing interview frameworks tailored to specific roles.
  • Evaluating candidate responses critically to inform decisions.
  • Creating competency matrices for structured assessments.
Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Advanced Interviewing Techniques

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a series of interview transcripts to identify biases and pitfalls in traditional interviewing methods. They will discuss their findings in groups and propose solutions to mitigate these issues, focusing on how to improve the overall interview process.

Output: A report summarising identified biases and recommended strategies for improvement.

  1. 09:00–09:54Overview of advanced interviewing techniques and their importance in recruitment.
  2. 09:54–10:48Identifying common pitfalls in traditional interviewing methods and how to avoid them.
  3. 10:48–11:00Understanding the role of unconscious bias in candidate evaluation and decision-making.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Understanding the role of unconscious bias in candidate evaluation and decision-making. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Exploring the impact of effective questioning on candidate responses and engagement.
  7. 13:06–14:00Introduction to competency-based interviewing and its relevance to hiring success.

Day 2Developing Structured Interview Frameworks

Applied activity: Participants will work in teams to develop a structured interview framework for a specific role, including a set of tailored questions and a scoring system. They will present their frameworks and receive peer feedback to refine their approaches.

Output: A comprehensive structured interview framework document with tailored questions and evaluation criteria.

  1. 09:00–09:54Components of a structured interview framework and their significance in hiring.
  2. 09:54–10:48Aligning interview questions with organisational competencies and job requirements.
  3. 10:48–11:00Creating a scoring system for candidate evaluation to ensure consistency.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Creating a scoring system for candidate evaluation to ensure consistency. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Incorporating situational and behavioural questions effectively into interviews.
  7. 13:06–14:00Best practices for conducting structured interviews to enhance candidate experience.

Day 3Advanced Questioning Techniques

Applied activity: In pairs, participants will conduct mock interviews using advanced questioning techniques, focusing on eliciting detailed responses from candidates. They will provide feedback to each other on the effectiveness of their questioning strategies and adjust accordingly.

Output: Feedback forms highlighting strengths and areas for improvement in questioning techniques.

  1. 09:00–09:54Types of questions: open, closed, probing, and hypothetical, and their uses.
  2. 09:54–10:48Techniques for eliciting detailed candidate responses during interviews.
  3. 10:48–11:00Using silence and follow-up questions strategically to gain deeper insights.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Using silence and follow-up questions strategically to gain deeper insights. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Adapting questions based on candidate responses to explore relevant areas further.
  7. 13:06–14:00Practicing advanced questioning techniques in mock interviews to build confidence.

Day 4Behavioural and Situational Interviewing

Applied activity: Participants will create a set of behavioural and situational questions for a given role and practice evaluating candidate responses using the STAR method. They will role-play interviews to simulate real-life scenarios and refine their skills.

Output: A set of behavioural and situational interview questions with evaluation criteria based on the STAR method.

  1. 09:00–09:54Understanding behavioural interviewing principles and their effectiveness in candidate evaluation.
  2. 09:54–10:48Crafting effective situational questions that assess problem-solving abilities.
  3. 10:48–11:00Evaluating candidate responses using the STAR method for structured analysis.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Evaluating candidate responses using the STAR method for structured analysis. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Integrating behavioural and situational techniques in interviews for comprehensive assessments.
  7. 13:06–14:00Assessing the relevance of responses to job competencies and organisational culture.

Day 5Integrating Techniques for Effective Hiring Decisions

Applied activity: Participants will integrate all techniques learned throughout the course to conduct a final mock interview, assess candidates using a competency matrix, and make a hiring decision based on their evaluations. They will present their decisions and rationale to the group for discussion.

Output: A detailed report justifying the hiring decision based on structured assessments and competencies.

  1. 09:00–09:54Combining all learned techniques for a comprehensive interview process that enhances decision-making.
  2. 09:54–10:48Developing a competency matrix for evaluation to standardise assessments across candidates.
  3. 10:48–11:00Making informed hiring decisions based on structured assessments and candidate fit.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Making informed hiring decisions based on structured assessments and candidate fit. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Addressing common challenges in the final decision-making process and how to overcome them.
  7. 13:06–14:00Reviewing case studies of successful and unsuccessful hires to extract lessons learned.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Istanbul 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Barcelona 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,840.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 23 Nov - 27 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 23 Nov - 27 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Singapore 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 11 Jan - 15 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 11 Jan - 15 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 25 Jan - 29 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 25 Jan - 29 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Vienna 1 Feb - 5 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,940.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Feb - 5 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 22 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 8 Mar - 12 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Mar - 12 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 22 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Rome 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Singapore 12 Apr - 16 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 12 Apr - 16 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 10 May - 14 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 10 May - 14 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 24 May - 28 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 24 May - 28 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Rome 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 14 Jun - 18 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Jun - 18 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 12 Jul - 16 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 12 Jul - 16 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 26 Jul - 30 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 26 Jul - 30 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Cape Town 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Singapore 9 Aug - 13 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 9 Aug - 13 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 23 Aug - 27 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 23 Aug - 27 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 13 Sept - 17 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 13 Sept - 17 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Cape Town 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 11 Oct - 15 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 11 Oct - 15 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 25 Oct - 29 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 25 Oct - 29 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 22 Nov - 26 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Nov - 26 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Singapore 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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