How could an interviewee tell that an applicant is really competent?

Question

How could an interviewee tell that an applicant is really competent?

Answer 1

The applicant IS the interviewee.  Do you mean the interviewer?

The answer, though, is two words: working interview.

Answer 2

Maybe a typo, "Interviewer"

Interviewee is the applicant

I think it takes experience. Learning what questions worked over time. It is hard, because it is so subjective. Develop questions carefully. after an interview, get together with other interviewers and find out what questions helped and what questions didn't help. After the interviewee is hired, if you see problems, ask yourself what questions or tactics might have exposed the potential problem.

We hired a guy, that seemed competent, but when he is asked a simple question he lies and defends himself first. Then if that is challenged, he manipulates his lie until he thinks he is out of trouble. Then he tries to distract or pull you off track. When he takes tests for certification in his job skills, he fails miserably and in one test collaborated with another examinee.

Answer 3

If the applicant looks into his eyes from time to time (not keep staring), if instead of using fillers (uhm, ahh), the applicant takes (not too much) time to "think" (when he would have to) before he answers questions.

considering of course, he shows confidence, dresses appropriately, etc...

Answer 4

I just got my first job two day agos at a Bakery and all I can tell you is to be honest, polite, and respectful of the person that is interviewing you. Also make sure you have a few good reffences. Its okay to be nervous, believe me, I was and I still got the job! What I think really inpressed the person that interviewed me was my reffences and my honesty about really wanting to work at the place that hired me. Good luck!

Answer 5

It's very hard. You have to know exactly what you want and work out the questions that will weed out the people who don't know their stuff. Don't rely on how confident they seem because there are always the good liars who'll smile and look you in the eye and half the stuff on their resume is made up.

Beyond just being competent you need to judge if they'll be a good fit with your existing employees. I dug my heels in once over a candidate that the head of dept liked because I just KNEW that he'd be a nightmare for me to manage (he largely ignored me in the interview and addressed his answers to the two male interviewers).