What techniques can you use to remain objective about job interview feedback?

1 Clear Criteria

Establishing clear criteria before the interview process begins is essential for objective feedback. By setting specific competencies and qualifications required for the job, you create a benchmark against which all candidates can be measured equally. This ensures that feedback is focused on how well candidates meet the predetermined standards, rather than on subjective impressions. It's helpful to have a checklist or scorecard that outlines these criteria so you can refer to it during and after each interview.

2 Diverse Panel

Utilizing a diverse interview panel can greatly enhance objectivity in feedback. When different perspectives are brought to the table, there's a reduced chance of unconscious bias affecting the outcome. Each panel member can provide their viewpoint, and discussions among the panel can highlight different aspects of a candidate's performance. This collective approach helps in balancing personal biases and ensures that feedback is based on a more rounded assessment.

4 Feedback Training

Providing interviewers with feedback training is an effective way to foster objectivity. Training can cover how to recognize and avoid biases, how to evaluate answers against job-related criteria, and how to give constructive feedback. When interviewers are equipped with these skills, they're more likely to approach the evaluation process with an objective mindset and provide feedback that is fair and unbiased.

5 Reflective Practice

Engaging in reflective practice after each interview can help interviewers remain objective. This involves taking a step back to consider your own thoughts and feelings about the interview and questioning whether they are influenced by biases or stereotypes. Reflective practice encourages self-awareness and helps in identifying any subjective elements that may have crept into your feedback, allowing you to correct them before making a final decision.

6 Consistent Review

Finally, a consistent review process where feedback is regularly examined for patterns of bias or subjectivity can help maintain objectivity. This could involve comparing feedback across different interviewers or looking at the overall trends in hiring decisions. If certain types of candidates are consistently rated higher or lower, this may indicate a lack of objectivity. Regularly reviewing and discussing feedback helps to keep everyone accountable and ensures that the process remains as fair as possible.

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?