Reference no: EM132886781

As junior project manager for Avengis Construction, Johan Kruger had very tight deadlines to meet. He urgently needed a good construction site manager to replace Thabo Mnyandu. Since he was new to interviewing, Johan was somewhat apprehensive when the first candidate arrived. "Welcome, Ms Mandini. Have a seat. Let's get started right away." Shirley Mandini, an ethnic Zulu, felt somewhat uneasy with proceeding into the interview so abruptly. Johan was not sure what questions to ask. He was also acutely aware of an inspection team due to arrive soon. "So, tell me a little bit about yourself, Shirley," Johan enquired. During the next thirty minutes Johan had difficulty directing the flow of the interview.

After the inspection team departed, Johan welcomed the second candidate, Phil Görgens, a German expat. Johan tried a new approach with his interview questions. "Phil, I see you have a Master's degree in Engineering. What was the topic of your dissertation?"

After the interview, Johan had a good feeling about Phil, but thought to himself, "I'm not sure I have a good idea which candidate to appoint for the role. Did I ask the right questions?" He looked at both applicants' résumés again, picked up the phone and called his HR administrator.
"Hannes, I've decided I want Phil for the job as site manager. Can you prepare the paperwork and put together an offer?"

QUESTIONS

1. How could Johan have prepared better for the job interviews?

2. Explain the potential benefits of improving the quality of the interviewing process Johan used, as well as his skills as an interviewer.