Are You Easing Interview Anxiety or Adding to the Tension?

Interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience for even the most qualified candidates. It takes a lot of confidence gained over time to sell yourself to your employees.

You can almost say gaining mastery at communicating effectively is an art you have to learn on its own, especially for someone who doesn’t know how to talk to a crowd.

Remember that time you had to defend your final year project? Heart racing, palms sweaty trying to convince stern-faced lecturers that yes, you actually did all this yourself?

Now imagine doing that every single time you need a new job. Welcome to the candidate experience!

As an HR professional, it is your responsibility to create a welcoming and supportive environment that helps candidates feel at #ease, but the question now is how?

Tips for creating a relaxed interview room:

⦁ Wearing a smile on your face: The magic of wearing a smile on your face can set a relaxed atmosphere for your candidates. If you come across as harsh, judgmental, or wearing a long face, you may unintentionally contribute to their anxiety.

⦁ Using a calm tone of voice: Ensure you inform everyone on the panel to do well and watch the tone of their voice while asking any question.

⦁ Creating a Positive Atmosphere: No matter how good or bad a candidate is, it is necessary to maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in the candidate's responses. A supportive and encouraging atmosphere can help candidates feel more relaxed and confident.

⦁ Building Rapport: Take the time to build rapport with candidates by asking open-ended questions and sharing personal anecdotes. This can help them feel more connected to you and the company.

⦁ Providing Clarity: Be clear about the interview process and expectations. Offer reassurance and support, especially if the candidate seems nervous or unsure.

A Ǫuick Self Check

Ask yourself:

⦁ Am I creating a space where candidates can be their best selves?

⦁ Would I feel comfortable if I were in their shoes?

⦁ Is my approach helping or hindering?

Don’t forget...

Your role as an HR professional is to facilitate the interview process, not to intimidate candidates. By creating a positive and supportive environment, you can help candidates feel more relaxed and confident, which can lead to more productive and informative interviews.

One last thing before you go

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Just for Laughs

How do you make candidates feel at ease during interviews? Share your tips in the comments. #InterviewTips #HR #Recruitment #CareerAdvice