Aim to Understand, Not to Intimidate.
“Can we start over? But this time, just know that we really like you. We want you to get the job.”
I was the interviewer, and the interview wasn’t going that well. It was an entry level position, and the interviewee was eaten up with anxiety.
She was awkward, not directly answering my questions, and really needed a glass of water.
After I reassured her that I was in her corner, she was more at ease.
She sat back in the chair, drank a glass of water, and aced the interview. And eventually the job.
As leaders, I believe it’s our job to get the best information about an applicant, not intimidate them. The interview process shouldn’t be a barrier; rather, we should ensure that it’s a gateway for talented individuals to showcase their true potential.
Here are a few tips for fostering a supportive environment where employees and interviewees feel less anxious and more at ease:
Approach Interactions With Empathy: Lead with compassion with conversing with employees and, in interviews, communicate your desire for the interviewee to succeed
Express Gratitude and Appreciation Often: Appreciation is a powerful thing, and specific appreciation is even better. Check out our Affirmation Formula for an easy and effective way to express your appreciation to someone!
Engage in Active Listening: Pay attention not only to what the candidate says, but also to any non-verbal cues and their overall demeanor. Actively listen to them and respond thoughtfully to their answers to create a more comfortable and authentic conversation.
Continuously Learn and Improve: Reflect on each interview experience and identify ways to enhance the process further. You could even seek feedback from candidates to understand their perspective and incorporate insights into future interviews.
When we lead interviews with empathy and understanding, we not only benefit the candidates, but we also foster a culture of inclusivity and compassion within our organizations.
Your belief in an anxious interviewee’s abilities may be the catalyst that propels them to succeed and contribute to your organization in invaluable ways.
Together, let's redefine the interview experience, one empathetic interaction at a time. 💌
