Interviewing prospective employees is something every business owner must do. Good interviewing skills can go a long way to picking out the cream of the employee crop.

A successful interview begins long before the actual interview takes place. First, make sure both you and the interviewee agree on an acceptable time for the interview. Next, gather all the necessary materials together - proposed wages, benefits, working conditions and hours, etc.

Don't have vague goals when it comes to the interview. Make sure you know going in what it is that you want to accomplish. Make a list of specific questions you'd like to address - that way you won't forget something important. The questions should be designed to tell you everything you want to learn about your potential new employee. But make sure your questions stay within legal parameters.

At the start of the interview, take some time to chat. This way, both of you can unwind and develop a little rapport before the interview takes place. Once you get into the formal interview, ask for specific information - the correct spelling of the individual's name, the length of time he or she's been with his or her current company, etc.

Then go through the list of questions and topics you've prepared. Don't rush through them. Speak precisely enough so the interviewee can understand the questions. And give the person time to formulate an answer to your question. Try not to inter...