While assessing a candidate’s skills and experience is crucial, preserving a sense of humanity throughout the process is equally vital for building a positive employer brand and attracting high quality, remarkable people. 

Candidates are often under significant stress during interviews. A cold, impersonal approach can create a negative experience, potentially deterring even the most qualified individuals. 

Conversely, a human-centered approach fosters trust and respect, even if the candidate isn’t ultimately selected.

5 Ways to Keep Your Humanity During The Interview   

We need to move beyond robotic questioning and focus on building genuine connections. This means:
Showing Empathy: Acknowledge the candidate’s potential nervousness and create a comfortable environment. Begin with casual conversation to ease them in.
Active Listening: Pay close attention to their responses and ask thoughtful follow-up questions. Demonstrate genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives.
Providing Clear Communication: Be transparent about the interview process, timelines, and feedback. Avoid leaving candidates in the dark.
Respecting Time: Start and end interviews on time, and be mindful of the candidate’s schedule. Avoid unnecessary delays or rescheduling.
Offering Constructive Feedback (where possible): Even if the candidate is not selected, offering brief, constructive feedback can leave a positive impression and help them grow.

By incorporating these practices, you can ensure that your interview process treats every candidate with dignity and respect. This not only enhances your reputation BUT also increases your chances of attracting and retaining the best people.