How do you balance assertiveness and empathy when interviewing a candidate who seems nervous?

1 Understanding Nerves

Recognize that nerves are a natural part of the interview process for many candidates. Your job is to differentiate between performance anxiety and a lack of preparation. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and giving them a moment to compose themselves if needed. This can be as simple as offering a glass of water or a brief pause in questioning. By creating a supportive atmosphere, you encourage candidates to open up and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

2 Setting the Tone

The tone of the interview is set from the moment the candidate walks in. Greet them with a warm smile and a firm handshake to convey both confidence and approachability. Use open body language and maintain eye contact to build rapport. Start with lighter questions or small talk about neutral topics to help them settle in. This approach helps to ease their nerves and demonstrates that you value their comfort as much as their answers.

3 Asking Questions

When it's time to delve into the more substantial questions, maintain assertiveness by clearly articulating your queries. Encourage thorough responses by asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. If a candidate seems particularly nervous, rephrase or simplify the question. This shows empathy by accommodating their state of mind and helps you get the detailed responses needed for an effective assessment.

4 Active Listening

Active listening is essential in any interview. It involves giving your full attention to the candidate, nodding, and providing feedback such as "I understand" or "That's interesting." This not only shows empathy by valuing what they have to say but also allows you to gather comprehensive information. If they seem to stray off-topic due to nerves, gently steer them back with assertive, yet polite interjections.

5 Providing Reassurance

Throughout the interview, offer reassurance when appropriate. If a candidate stumbles over an answer, encourage them by highlighting what they did well or by expressing interest in their experiences. This empathetic gesture can alleviate anxiety and promote a more confident delivery of subsequent responses. However, maintain assertiveness by keeping the interview on track and ensuring all necessary topics are covered.

6 Feedback Loop

Finally, establish a feedback loop by summarizing key points and asking for clarification when needed. This not only shows that you're actively engaged but also gives candidates the opportunity to add any additional information they might have missed due to nerves. An assertive yet empathetic interviewer will recognize the importance of this step in ensuring both parties have a clear understanding of the discussion.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?