How do you handle giving feedback to an interviewee who displayed unprofessional behavior?

1 Assess Calmly

When you encounter unprofessional behavior during an interview, it's essential to assess the situation calmly and objectively. Before giving feedback, take a moment to understand the context of the behavior. Was it a result of nerves, misunderstanding, or a lack of awareness? Your role is not to judge but to provide insight that can help the interviewee improve. Approach the conversation with empathy, acknowledging the pressure of interviews, and use specific examples to illustrate the behavior you found unprofessional. This approach fosters a constructive dialogue that can lead to positive change.

2 Be Specific

It's important to be specific when discussing unprofessional behavior with an interviewee. Avoid vague statements that can lead to confusion or defensiveness. Instead, describe the exact actions or words that were problematic, and explain why they were inappropriate for the interview setting. This clarity helps the interviewee understand the gravity of their actions and the impact they may have on their professional image. By focusing on the behavior rather than the person, you create an opportunity for learning and development.

3 Offer Guidance

After highlighting the unprofessional behavior, it's your responsibility to offer guidance on how to avoid such pitfalls in the future. Suggest alternative behaviors or strategies that align with professional standards. For example, if an interviewee was overly casual in their language, advise them on the importance of formal communication during interviews. Offer resources or tips for professional etiquette that can help them in subsequent interviews. Your goal is to empower the interviewee to present themselves more effectively and professionally.

4 Encourage Reflection

Encouraging self-reflection is a powerful tool in helping an interviewee understand the repercussions of their unprofessional behavior. Prompt them to consider how their actions might be perceived by others and the potential impact on their career opportunities. Ask open-ended questions that lead to introspection, such as how they could have handled the situation differently. Reflection not only aids in personal growth but also reinforces the importance of professionalism in the workplace.

5 Maintain Professionalism

Throughout the feedback process, it's crucial that you maintain professionalism yourself. Model the behavior you expect to see in candidates. Keep your tone respectful and non-confrontational, and ensure that your feedback is constructive and aimed at helping the interviewee grow. By doing so, you set a positive example and establish a respectful and supportive atmosphere that can make a difficult conversation more palatable.

6 Follow Up

Finally, consider following up with the interviewee after the initial feedback session. This follow-up can be a brief message or email thanking them for their time and reiterating your hope that they find the feedback useful. It's a gesture that shows you care about their professional development beyond the interview. It also leaves the door open for future interactions should they apply for another position or need further advice.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?