As a recruiter, it’s your duty to make sure that all of the candidates you’re interviewing feel at ease throughout the process. This helps both sides, as an applicant who feels comfortable and confident will show their true potential and, based on that, you can then decide whether or not they’re the right fit for the role. Read more to discover what you can do to ensure an easy-going interview in the following article New Millennia put together.
Use body language to support the interviewee
As an interviewer, you need to be aware of your body language constantly, in order to make the candidate you’re interviewing feel comfortable throughout the process. It’s incredibly important to maintain eye contact, as doing so lets the applicant know you’re listening. Smiling is just as vital, as it’s reassuring and encouraging for the candidate.
Note that sitting with your arms crossed makes you seem judgmental, so try not to do that during the interview, so that you don’t display this attitude. Another aspect you should always keep in mind is the fact that communication, in general, is mostly nonverbal. That’s why it’s essential that you never send any negative subliminal messages to the interviewee.
Remember the applicant is a person before a potential employee
Having a human-first approach when interviewing candidates shows respect and compassion. For example, if the candidates are applying for a pharmaceutical company such as CVS, before asking CVS Interview questions, have a casual chat with the applicant about topics that don’t relate to work. You’ll definitely achieve a lot by asking them about their own interests and free time activities. Showing applicants that you’re interested in them as a person makes them feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
Establish a connection with the candidate
Find ways to connect with the applicant throughout the interview. Most applicants are nervous and feel the need to prove themselves. Look for something on their CV that you can personally connect with and start a conversation from there. Allow them to share an experience and then compliment them for showing certain qualities.
Make the interview a conversation instead of an interrogation
The process of hiring someone is not just about getting help. It’s also about starting a relationship with the employee. You have to establish a connection with the candidate you’re hiring. It’s clear that, since the applicant has made it to the interview stage, they’ve already met the job requirements. This means that the purpose of the interview is to get to know them on a personal level in an enjoyable way.
Compliment the applicant’s previous work
Complimenting candidates on their past achievements helps candidates open up. While going through CVs and portfolios, look for interesting projects that candidates completed. In this way, you’re letting the applicant know that you’ve read their application carefully, which implies respect on your part.
Encourage the candidate to ask questions
Allowing applicants to ask questions at any point throughout the interview is an amazing way to make potential employees feel less nervous. It reminds them that interviews are beneficial for both parties and that they need to like the job, as well, not just to impress the hiring manager. You may also share current projects the business is working on, so that the candidate gets a better understanding of what a work day looks like at the company that’s hiring.
