How can you be a better interviewer and interviewee?

I’ve read so many posts and articles intended for job seekers about how to follow specific rules and scripts when it comes to job seeking and interviewing, as well as “dos and don'ts” in certain situations and how to answer “common” interview questions. This is all nice, but it unconsciously builds stress and anxiety, and the interviewer will unlikely get the relevant answers with a common approach.

After “that” essential interview, candidates tend to worry about how they performed and if they gave satisfying answers to the interviewer until they hear back - sometimes, they don’t even hear back.

This standard “script” that candidates are advised to follow has been here for a long time.

Please don’t be ordinary!

Don’t follow the old-fashioned interview process and ask questions such as “Where do you see yourself in X years”. Nobody knows what tomorrow’s bring. Ask instead: How would you see yourself professionally evolving in this opportunity with our company? OR How would you like to grow in this role, and what new skills/experiences would you look to acquire?

So how can you be a better interviewer? (The list can be quite long) but here are a few tips:

1. Take the time to prepare the right and relevant interview questions for your role with a key focus on the MUST-have requirements (skills, competencies, and personal traits) for your vacancy as you have limited time to interview.
2. At the beginning of the interview, create an environment that will put candidates at ease and enable them to present their best selves without pressure. Make it conversational.
3. Share more about the role, the business, and why you are a great place to work.
4. If you don’t get the answers you expect to hear, ask follow-up questions and let the candidate elaborate more.?
5. Leave the candidate time to ask questions.
6. Thank the candidate for taking the time to connect and advise on timelines and next steps.?

How can you be a good candidate or interviewee?

1. Before even applying to a job, research the company, understand their business and why they exist, check their Glassdoor reviews, review their online accounts, connect and talk to people who work there if you can, and find out more about the culture and work environment, growth plans and financial stability of the company.
2. Decide whether it’s the right environment for you in terms of possible career progression opportunities, motivation and inspiration, flexibility, work-life-life balance, and compensation & benefits package, job security, and any other aspect that is critical for you.
3. Make sure the job fits your personal life, values, and beliefs and that you can put your professional skills and experience into practice to the fullest and beyond.

If all of the above are in check, and you’re going to interview, make sure that (during that little time you’re given) you speak about your professional experience relevant to the question you’re asked, the job requirements, and the business/industry (keep the time limit in mind when answering questions).?Make an above-average and strong introduction to stand out.

Don’t be afraid to speak about your achievements, the impact you made, what you learned, the professional challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.?

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to send a follow-up email or a thank you note after the interview with additional questions you may have about the role. You do nothing wrong by wanting to learn more and have an answer regarding your application if you don’t hear back within the expected time frame.

Make the interview a pleasant and refreshing conversation that will leave participants with a positive experience.