DPS NEWS

Interview Techniques Class

Two DLD managers make an internal investment to help improve morale and train the future.

The Driver License Division (DLD) administration called on its managers to help improve morale within the division. When John Fairbanks and Dave Tafoya asked themselves what they could do to help with the issue, a persistent problem came to mind.

“There were great employees who kept missing out on promotional opportunities because they would perform poorly in their interviews,” John said.

So the two set out to create a class that would provide DLD employees with interviewing skills and techniques. John and Dave developed the curriculum themselves, utilizing information and strategies outlined in the book Power Interviews.

They recently conducted their second class, but they’ve already seen results, as some employees who attended the first session have promoted. The supervisors conducting interviews have shared the marked improvement they’ve noticed in the performance of class attendees.

The class ends with a practical session in which the instructors ask the students actual interview questions and then provide feedback on their performance. 

“There are two sets of questions in the practical portion,” Dave said. “And you can really see improvement in the students’ answers from the first set to the second set.”

Some positions within DLD require role-playing scenarios during the interview process, so the next step for the division is to develop a role-playing module for training.

Dave and John say that in their careers, which stretch 25 and 29 years respectively, DLD has never had anything like it. But they know the need is there.

“We want to develop these people because they’re going to be the ones who replace us,” John said. “We’re training the future.”

Renown author Stephen Covey wrote, “Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” Through their interview skills class, John and Dave are making an internal investment in DLD employees, which will ultimately result in the Driver License Division providing better service to Utahns.