Job Interviews Should be More Enjoyable

A job interview is often perceived as occurring in a stiff, formal environment in which the interviewer rattles off interview questions and maintains a stoic stature. However, companies are learning that if they conduct interviews as conversations, they are able to see the true personality of the candidate and assess a fit much more accurately. Learn how to make interviews much more enjoyable to make the best choice when hiring.

Send an Itinerary

Eliminate the pressure job seekers often face when walking into a job interview by providing candidates with an itinerary ahead of time. Email or mail a letter with details about the meeting and that outlines whom the candidate is scheduled to meet with, a planned tour of the facility, and any assessment or skills tests required. Not putting candidates on the spot helps them relax more and feel confident and prepared for the interview. When you offer additional details, you also get a glimpse of how candidates put time and effort into preparing for the meeting.

Encourage Narratives During the Interview

Interviewers can better gauge a candidate's personality and ability to work well with teams when asking interview questions that prompt narratives or storytelling. Instead of asking common questions that often prompt a scripted response, ask scenario questions that require the interviewee to provide specific examples and recall experiences in similar situations. For example, ask about the culture at companies where the candidate has worked previously. Seek out opinions about processes and procedures to make the interview more like a conversation between professional colleagues.

Create a Diverse Scorecard

Prepare for a job interview with a qualified candidate by creating a scorecard that is diverse. Include columns that rate skills, experience and personality. Curve your questions to touch on all areas of your scorecard so you can learn more about the candidate and his performance. A varied scorecard is likely to move the interview toward a personable yet professional tone to make both parties more comfortable.

Be Upfront and Honest

Make the job interview more enjoyable by starting with honest information. Be upfront with the candidate by relaying when you plan to hire, what is required to train for the position, and the primary qualities you are seeking in an employee. Avoid leaving the job seeker hanging before or after the interview. Provide an honest overview of how you felt the job interview went and directly tell the applicant if he is qualified for the position or not.

Interviewers should accurately display the culture of the company from the start of the job interview to better communicate how the company operates. Conduct the interview as a conversation between colleagues to put the interviewee at ease and better assess personality, as this can better help identify the best candidate for the position.

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