If you are new to the art of auditing, then this post is for you! ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, you name it. I have asked my LinkedIn network to share their best practices on being an Auditee.

All feedback and advice presented below come from Audit Professionals who kindly agreed to support you in future auditing endeavours.

Have you missed my last post on ISO 9001 Auditing? Here is the link:

4 things auditors don’t want you to know. Useful for ISO 9001.

Auditing community has spoken! 22 tips for You

1. Imagine you are the auditor – what would be of interest to you?

2. Do not “prepare” the company for the audit. Show the reality. Be honest with the system and the auditor. Open yourself for opportunities for improvement.

3. Understand what is needed before the audit. The audit plan will guide you at to what the auditor is scheduled to look at. Remember, management systems are now process-driven and not everything needs to be documented.

4. Answer auditor’s questions directly. Do not meander or tell stories. A short, concise answer always work.

5. Try to be the subject matter expert on the audit criteria. If you have concerns or doubts about a potential nonconformity, ask the auditor to show you the specific requirement in the audit criteria.

6. Auditors can fall into habits of auditing and misinterpret requirements. Ask questions when in doubt.

7. Don’t try to sound smart and provide more info than what is required by the auditor. Answer their questions concisely and make sure your answers match your procedures and work instructions.

8. Know your processes and how you fit into them. Know where to find them and how to interpret them.

9. I have always entered an audit as if the IRS is auditing me. This ensures my prep is complete and my answers are per my processes which should be in line with the standard I am audited to. I would also add to remember that the auditor is only to ensure you do what you say and you say what you do.

10. Stay calm. Answer questions asked without assuming you understand the intent.

11. Admit when you don’t know the answer and find out if the auditor wants to retrieve it now or in the future.

12. Do not try to be an expert on ISO 9001. That’s your auditor’s job. Do be an expert on your organisation’s processes and how they reflect on the quality management system.

13. Ask the auditor – “have I answered your question?”

14. If the auditor questions fall beyond the intended scope, involve your supervisors.

15. Be a sponge. Learn from the questions.

16. Be honest – It is a learning experience.

17. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. It takes away the fear of being audited.

18. I would suggest a few dry runs with internal resources to flush out the process. You will be able to test your documentation, your ability to answer questions and develop a sense for what it will feel like during the audit.

The next tip is my favourite!

19. Learn to be comfortable with silence. If a question has been answered and the auditor doesn’t respond initially, don’t feel compelled to fill the room with unnecessary additional details.

20. Do what you say and say what you do.

21. Nonconformities identified are only opportunities for improvement.

22. The one point that I always stress to an individual or group that will be audited for the first time is that it is not personal. Nor is it a direct reflection on them personally.

What advice would you give to an auditee? Share your experience in the comments below.