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There’s no denying the interview plays the most important role when deciding on the best candidate to hire. It provides you the opportunity to interact with candidates in person, as they explain how they’d make a good fit for your company. Many interviewees are likely to be nervous, so putting them at ease gives you the best reading on their abilities and personality.

What follows are a few ideas on how to make a candidate relaxed and comfortable during the interview. Leverage these insights to make the best possible hiring decision.

A Comfortable Interview Location

For your company’s interview location, try to choose a larger room with windows and good ventilation. Holding them in a closet-sized spot simply adds to the stress level of every candidate, and possibly your interviewers, as well. Remember you are also trying to sell your office culture to the interviewees, so pick a welcoming spot.

A Warm Welcome

Starting the interview with a warm introduction provides a great way to get things off on the right foot. The candidate needs to feel comfortable, so they are able to answer from the heart. Don’t miss out on a great new employee because of them being nervous.

Maintain a Friendly Demeanor Throughout

Of course, your interviewers need to be professional, but being overly serious is the wrong approach. A friendly and approachable demeanor helps the candidate feel at ease. Expect more detailed and honest answers as a result. Trying to achieve a meaningful two-way discussion is a worthy goal for the interview.

Clearly Stated Questions

Make sure your questions are clear and jargon-free. It is important a candidate understands what you are asking, so they can answer confidently. Don’t hesitate to restate the question if they seem confused. Using a set of standardized questions developed by your HR team helps in this regard.

Let the Candidate Highlight Their Skills and Personality

Ultimately, providing the candidate a chance to truly shine during the interview gives you the best window into their abilities and personality. It also helps to determine whether or not they’d make a good fit in your company culture. As they feel more comfortable, go into more detailed and open-ended questions. Make sure you study their resume beforehand to help your line of questioning.

When you need additional advice on building a great team in your office, talk to PrideStaff Houston. As one of the top general staffing agencies in Texas, we provide the candidates to foster your success. Schedule a meeting with us soon!