Interviewing should not have to suck

Does the thought of going to an interview as a candidate or conducting an interview as a hiring manager sound painful to you?

Many people dread hiring and interviewing. Conducting the interview as a conversation vs an interrogation can actually make the experience enjoyable!

A few days ago Adam Karpiak posted:

This really resonated with us as this has been our approach for years. It's truly a benefit for job seekers and hiring managers!

Have you ever been in a job interview that felt more like an interrogation than a conversation? You know the ones: where the interviewer sits across from you, arms crossed, firing questions at you like a prosecutor in a courtroom. If so, you're not alone. Many job seekers dread the thought of going through an interview that feels like a grueling interrogation.

But what if I told you there's a better way to conduct interviews? A way that's more conversational and less like an interrogation? Not only is it more enjoyable for the job seeker, but it's also more effective for the hiring manager. Let me explain.

First of all, let's talk about the benefits to the job seeker. When you're in an interview that feels like a conversation, you're more likely to relax and be yourself. You can have a back-and-forth exchange with the interviewer, which helps you build rapport and establish a connection. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident, which in turn can help you perform better in the interview.

On the other hand, when you're in an interview that feels like an interrogation, you may feel like you're being put on the spot. You may feel like you have to come up with the "right" answer to each question, even if you're not sure what that answer is. This can be stressful and make you feel like you're under a lot of pressure, which can negatively impact your performance in the interview.

But it's not just the job seeker who benefits from a conversational interview style. Hiring managers can also reap the rewards. When you're conducting an interview that feels like a conversation, you're more likely to get a sense of who the job seeker really is. You can get a better understanding of their personality, their communication skills, and their ability to think on their feet. This can help you make a more informed decision about whether they're the right fit for the job.

On the other hand, when you're conducting an interview that feels like an interrogation, you may be more focused on checking off a list of questions. You may not be paying as much attention to the job seeker's overall demeanor or communication style. This can make it harder for you to get a sense of who they really are and whether they'd be a good fit for the job.

So how can you conduct an interview that feels more like a conversation and less like an interrogation? Here are a few tips:

1. Be friendly and welcoming: Start off the interview by introducing yourself and making the job seeker feel comfortable. Smile, make eye contact, and show genuine interest in what they have to say.
2. Use open-ended questions: Instead of asking yes or no questions, ask questions that encourage the job seeker to elaborate on their experiences and opinions. This can help to create a back-and-forth exchange.
3. Listen actively: Pay attention to what the job seeker is saying and respond with thoughtful follow-up questions. This can help to keep the conversation flowing and show that you're engaged.
4. Avoid jargon and technical terms: Don't assume that the job seeker knows all of the technical terms and jargon associated with your industry. Use language that's easy to understand and avoid acronyms or industry-specific terms.
5. Show your personality: Don't be afraid to inject a little humor or personality into the interview. This can help to put the job seeker at ease and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to conducting interviews in a conversational style. Job seekers are more likely to feel relaxed and confident, which can help them perform better in the interview. And hiring managers are more likely to get a sense of who the job seeker really is, which can help them make a more informed decision about whether they're the right fit for the job.

So, the next time you're in an interview - whether you're the job seeker or the hiring manager - remember that it's not about interrogating or being interrogated. It's about having a conversation, getting to know each other, and figuring out if there's a good fit. And who knows, you might just find that you enjoy the experience a little more too.

PS: You've probably seen Adam Karpiak on LinkedIn, but if not make sure to follow his newsletter here.