As a hiring manager, you certainly feel the stress around the process of bringing on a new employee for your open position. But, you also have you put yourself in the candidates’ shoes? Job seekers are scared, and that’s natural. So how can you make them more comfortable? Before you bring in your next set of candidates for interviews, here are a few things you can do to tap into empathy to make them more comfortable.
Check Your Stress Levels
Humans are very susceptible to the emotions of those around them. If you’re stressed out in an interview, your already stressed out candidate is going to feel it. It’s going to make them feel like a burden.
When you enter a candidate interview, make sure you can pay complete attention. Don’t get distracted, don’t do other work. Be present in the conversation.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
It may have been a while, but you were once in the candidate’s shoes. Consider your own memories of applying and interviewing for jobs. Put yourself in their shoes. Anticipate that they will be uncomfortable and try to make the experience painless.
Don’t ask questions just for the sake of displaying your own power dynamic. Show that you are a compassionate boss and that you care about what they’re thinking.
Ask Open Questions
Yes, of course, an interview is about asking questions. The real art is how you ask the questions. If someone’s already nervous, questions that seem to want a yes or no answer will elicit exactly that response. You want to make your interview a conversation.
Ask questions that allow them the space to tell a story about their experience. Give them a chance to ask you questions about your company and the job.
Communicate Clearly and Often
Throughout the process, it’s imperative that you communicate effectively with the candidates. This lets them know where you are in the process and sets their expectations. Tell them when you expect to make a decision and then follow up.
It’s also important to follow up with candidates who are not chosen for the interview. Don’t let them feel like they’ve been ghosted. Just because they weren’t right for you in the moment doesn’t mean they can’t be a fit later, and you won’t want to burn that bridge after you’ve already invested the time.
Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Dallas TX
Do you want to make potential candidates more comfortable in the interview process? Contact the team at CornerStone Staffing today to work with a top staffing agency in Dallas TX.
