Characters who turn interviews into the Spanish Inquisition

16 September 2011 -

If you want to keep your candidate engaged and forthcoming, try not to turn into any of these folks…

The Terminator

You’re a tough nut who brings a professional, but perhaps slightly scary, sense of purpose to the table. Consider that stepping back and putting a candidate at ease is more likely to let you get the best out of them.

The clock watcher

It’s important to keep an interview on track, but give a candidate time to think carefully and give considered answers. Let them know you are interested in what they have to say, not how quickly you can get to your next meeting.

The best friend

You’ll want to put your candidate at ease, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your candid views on the CEO. Smile, be friendly – but above all, keep it professional.

The inquisitor

Probing questions have a place, but remember you are there to sell your company as well. Give the candidate time to ask questions about the role or the organisation and show off their own preparation.

The secret shrink

Questions such as “what would you do if I gave you an elephant?” may get an interesting response, but what do they have to do with the job? Keep your questions simple, open-ended and relevant.