Tips for hiring managers on building candidate rapport amid social distancing
Interviewing is stressful for any jobseeker, and especially so in our current environment. And now, it has to be done via video, which makes it harder to connect with people, and can add a layer of anxiety. While it’s understood you have an open job to fill with specific criteria, now is not the time for what I call “grilled candidate on rye.” Show genuine interest, extend generosity and be kind.
Here are a few tips:
Be genuine and share any connection. Find a connection on the resume if possible. Do you have a university in common? Even a remote connection, (e.g. mother attended UW) can start a conversation and begin to build rapport. Perhaps the candidate noted a volunteer organization on their resume, and you know of the organization’s good work – share that too.
Ask open-ended questions and maintain eye contact. Instead of asking “have you led a global project?” try soliciting deeper understanding about the candidate’s career using “tell me about a time you were given responsibility for a global project. What did you do and what did you learn?”
Listening can be particularly hard when there’s background noise, (e.g. kids, dogs, unexpected interruptions). Let these interruptions be O.K. and assure the candidate that you understand.
It’s easy to lose eye contact when using video. When you notice yourself viewing your own reflection turn your eyes toward the candidate and maintain focus on their video image.
Listen actively. Most leaders know how important listening is to effective interpersonal communications. Knowing that listening is important and being a good listener are two very different things. Here are three ways to listen:
Selective listening means listening for information relevant to the question asked or pertaining to the job requirements.
Responsive listening includes offering verbal and non-verbal acknowledgement to the candidate to demonstrate that what they are saying is being heard. This type of listening is essential to earning trust.
Empathetic listening is paraphrasing back what the person is saying. For example, “Are you saying” or “Do you mean that….?”
Acknowledge and validate. Offer positive reinforcement and acknowledgement such as “that’s a great example.” These types of statements help candidates relax and be themselves. Remember, everyone likes to be validated for his or her accomplishments.
Share as much as you know about where the organization is going. Translate the general strategy so the candidate understands the context in which they would be working. Leaders need to give meaning to the day to day.
Offer details on how your organization is responding to the pandemic and looking forward in uncertain times.
Using these tips to establish rapport early in an interview will help ensure that your candidate has a positive experience, and is offering good eye contact, talking freely, elaborating on answers and volunteering information; in turn you’ll have a better understanding of how the candidate can meet the job requirements and fit within your organization.