Summary. If you've never interviewed someone before and are now tasked with doing so, don't worry. Like any other skill, you can master "job interviewing" with practice. Here's some advice that can fast-track your learning: (1) Prior to conducting the interview, identify what skills the candidate must have versus what skills can be taught on the job; (2) Make sure your questions prompt candidates to share specific examples; (3) Practice with a peer beforehand, and ask them to give you difficult answers so you can navigate unexpected situations; (4) Set a positive tone at the start of the interview by asking the candidate about their day; (5) Take notes -- don't rely on your memory, especially if you're interviewing multiple people; and (6) Evaluate the candidate -- and your own experience conducting the interview.
I will never forget the first time I interviewed someone for a job. I had just started a new recruiting position, and with shaky hands, I dialed the candidate's number. I stumbled through the screening questions in a voice more unsteady than theirs. Having a colleague shadow me only added to the pressure, but her feedback became the foundation for my growth. Over time, I conducted thousands more interviews, hired hundreds of people, and started enjoying the process.