At Brookwood Recruitment, we believe that every successful interview starts long before the candidate walks through the door. We frequently work with seasoned hiring professionals eager to refine their approach. One common thread we observe is the way they begin interviews—and how it sets the stage for the rest of the conversation.
Many leaders tell us they prefer to start with open-ended questions like, “What’s something interesting about you?” or “Tell me about yourself.” While these questions can help break the ice, they often lead to a couple of recurring challenges: candidates who ramble or speak in vague terms.
Why Does This Happen?
The answer lies in the first few minutes of the interview. This initial period is crucial for setting expectations and guiding the candidate’s approach. As LinkedIn data shows, candidates are often navigating a maze of interview styles and questions—from stress interviews and brain teasers to unstructured conversations. In this chaotic environment, clear guidance from the interviewer is essential.
How Can You Improve?
To make the most of those critical first minutes, consider these three strategies:
- Set the Agenda Clearly After initial pleasantries, confidently outline the interview format. Let the candidate know what to expect:
- Craft a Purposeful First Question Start with a question that’s specific yet open and positive. Save the more challenging questions about mistakes or weaknesses for later in the conversation. This approach sets a constructive tone and encourages candidates to share meaningful insights from the get-go.
- Engage Actively with Follow-Ups Your involvement early and often is key. Use follow-up questions to keep the conversation dynamic and to guide the candidate toward providing concise and relevant responses. This interaction not only helps manage the flow of the conversation but also demonstrates your engagement and interest.
By implementing these tactics, you can transform the interview experience into a more productive and engaging dialogue. Not only will this help candidates provide the information you need, but it will also enhance their overall experience, making it easier for you to identify the right fit for your team.
Let’s move beyond the generic and create interviews that are insightful, efficient, and truly reflective of the talent we’re looking to attract. Happy interviewing!
For more information or to arrange a time to discuss how we can support your interview process please contact us on info@brookwoodrec.com
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