Turn an Interview into a Conversation These Six Ways

A job interview doesn't have to feel like an interrogation. In fact, when meeting with a new applicant, your best approach is to build rapport so the interview feels more like a conversation between professional colleagues. Transform your next interview by showing your personality and genuinely connecting with the interviewee using these six strategies.

1. Be Patient

Hiring managers who dominate the job interview or interrupt consistently run the risk of intimidating applicants. It is also difficult to develop a rapport with interviewees when you are the only one talking. Give the interviewee time to provide you with details about his qualifications. When you allow the candidate more speaking time, it gives you time to assess how to launch an enriching discussion regarding aspects of the job.

2. Take Advantage of Screening Interviews

Learn more about applicants' personalities with recorded video interviews. Request for job candidates to record themselves responding to interview questions you provided, and ask them to submit the video prior to the job interview date. This video allows you to assess not only skills and experience, but also the applicant's personality and conversation style so you can better connect with him when meeting in person.

3. Actively Listen

Even if you have a list of questions to ask, improvise during the interview by asking follow-up questions based on the applicant's responses. Listen intently to what the interviewee has to say, and jot down notes to remind yourself what you want to inquire about later in the interview.

4. Limit Questions

When conversing with a friend or colleague, it is a rare practice to bombard the other person with questions. Use this strategy during job interviews. Make statements instead of asking an abundance of interview questions to create more of a friendly tone during the meeting. Statements such as "Tell me about yourself" foster more engaging conversations than questions such as "What makes you qualified for this position?"

5. Pause Often

Pause often during the job interview, just as you would when conversing with other professionals. Pose your questions slowly instead of rattling off multiple questions that may overwhelm the candidate.

6. Jump In to Help the Flow

Foster a friendly conversation by jumping in when the conversation hits a lull. Offer an example or scenario that helps the applicant get to know you or the company better. Interviewers who engage with the candidate are more likely to spark conversations and remove the intimidation factor from the interview.

The misconception that the interviewer must be the authoritative figure in the room is likely to set the wrong tone and impression. Foster an engaging atmosphere during the job interview to encourage conversations that help you get to know job applicants on a more personal and professional level.

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