Job Interviews Should Be Conversations, Not Interrogations: Interviewing From Both Sides of the Desk.

The traditional job interview, often characterised by a one-sided, question-and-answer format, is slowly evolving into a more dynamic and engaging process.

The shift is toward a conversational approach, where both the interviewer and interviewee actively participate in a meaningful dialogue.

This transition isn't just about changing the script; it's about fostering a more intelligent workplace that values communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding.

The Evolution of Interviews

Historically, job interviews have followed a structured format where the interviewer asks a series of questions, and the candidate responds accordingly.

This approach often felt like an interrogation, with candidates feeling the pressure to provide "correct" answers.

However, the evolving workplace recognises the need for a more authentic and insightful assessment of candidates.

Benefits of Conversational Interviews

a. Genuine Insights: Conversational interviews allow candidates to express themselves more freely. They can share their experiences, values, and aspirations in a way that provides a deeper understanding of their fit for the role and organization.

b. Collaboration: Instead of being a one-sided process, conversational interviews encourage a collaborative environment where both parties can exchange ideas. This creates a more inclusive and engaging experience.

c. Cultural Fit: Interviews as conversations provide an opportunity to assess cultural fit more accurately. Candidates can learn about the company culture and values, and interviewers can gauge whether the candidate aligns with these.

1. The Role of Technology

Advancements in technology have played a significant role in transforming interviews into conversations.

Video interviews, for example, have become commonplace, allowing for a more natural flow of dialogue between remote participants.

Additionally, AI-powered tools can help identify conversation patterns that lead to more productive interviews.

Tips for Conducting Conversational Interviews

a. Active Listening: Interviewers should prioritize active listening over rapid-fire questioning. Engage with the candidate's responses, ask follow-up questions, and dig deeper into their experiences.

b. Storytelling: Encourage candidates to share stories from their professional journey. This not only provides valuable insights but also makes the interview more engaging.

c. Open-Ended Questions: Replace closed-ended questions with open-ended ones that require thoughtful responses.

For example, instead of asking, "Do you work well in teams?" you might ask, "Can you share an example of a successful team project you've been a part of?"

d. Behavioral Interviews: Utilise behavioral interview techniques that focus on past experiences and actions, as they tend to generate more meaningful responses.

The Candidate Experience

In a conversational interview, candidates are more likely to feel respected, valued, and considered.

A positive interview experience can leave a lasting impression, even if the candidate is not ultimately selected.

This can have positive repercussions for the employer brand.

Bring it all together

The shift from 'interrogational interviews' to conversational interviews is a reflection of the evolving workplace landscape.

It emphasises the importance of communication, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of candidates.

Embracing this change not only leads to better hiring decisions but also fosters a more intelligent and inclusive workplace where everyone's voices are heard.

As companies continue to adapt to new ways of working, the conversational interview will play a vital role in building a stronger, more connected workforce.

Follow us?at?Recruitment Evangelists ?for our latest industry news, jobs & Newsletter ‘Revolutionising Recruitment: Navigating the Modern World of Hiring'.