Did Your Interview Style Make That Perfect Candidate Run?

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Interviewers are accustomed to having the upper hand, making it easy to forget they should be wooing top job candidates. Sought-after job seekers always have other options, and they move on to better prospects when an underwhelming company has little to offer. If you find it challenging to recruit — and keep — good job candidates, try polishing up your interview skills to eliminate red flags that are scaring off job seekers.

You Waste Time

Most companies prefer job candidates who are currently employed, which means the typical job seeker has to take time away from work to meet with you. Showing up late, rambling about unrelated topics or making interviewees wait while you take calls are signs that you don't value other people's time. Whether accurate or not, an interviewer's behavior represents the entire company. Job seekers don't want to ruin their candidacy by rushing you when interviews run overtime, but they may decide putting up with a haphazard hiring process isn't worthwhile in the long run.

You Appear Unprepared

After studying up on the company and practicing for every interview scenario, job candidates are offended when hiring managers fail to show an equal level of preparedness. If you don't know an interviewee's name or you spend time too much time asking about basic background information, it's immediately obvious that you didn't read the candidate's resume. Job seekers want to know why an employer initially viewed them as a good fit for the job, and being unprepared sends the message that you aren't invested in bringing them on board.

You Don't Sell the Job

Interviewers should never assume the best job candidates will accept the position if asked. Talented job seekers want fulfilling work, and they are turned off by interviewers who don't understand the position well enough to answer their questions. Keep in mind, job seekers use the interview to determine whether the company offers a compelling opportunity. They have no incentive to take their chances with an employer who can't provide a clear picture of the job duties or benefits.

You Behave Like an Interrogator

Interviews should be a two-way street, with both parties aiming to impress the other. As a result, you need to be friendly and communicative to put job candidates at ease and draw out the right information. Sitting stony-faced while firing off aggressive questions is an easy way to repel great job candidates, especially if you move between topics too quickly for job seekers to elaborate on their experience. Whether intentional or not, an overly intimidating interview style may convince job seekers that working for you could be a nightmare.

You Don't Show Enough Interest

Job seekers are used to dealing with indifferent recruiters and never hearing back from hiring managers who seemed encouraging during the interview. That's why candidates expect a higher level of enthusiasm from interviewers who are genuinely interested in them. If you don't show any signs that the interview went well or don't discuss follow-up steps, most job candidates assume you don't want them and pursue other offers.

Poor interview skills can drive away perfect job candidates and drag out the hiring process. If you're new to hiring, get feedback from HR staff to make sure you aren't sending out "stay away" vibes.


Photo courtesy of Gavin Davis at Flickr.com

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Shari B thanks for your comment. So sad that you were interviewed by someone who didn't take the time to even read your resume. I think what happens is that they see some of the right keywords so they snag your resume and contact you - without taking the time to find out if you will be a good fit or not. Hopefully it was a job that you really wanted and that someone else, within the company, will take the time to really do an interview and make you an offer. As for getting a job with growth - although they do still exist, it's not like it used to be in years past. The days of joining a company and staying with them throughout your career is mostly gone, too - unless you are a union member and, even then, it depends. But, one step at a time. All the best on the position.

  • Shari B.
    Shari B.

    The answer to your question is YES! Just yesterday. I don't think she reviewed my resume. Said I couldn't do this or that. Didn't have this or that experience. I DO have those talents! And, that I needed to narrow it down to ONE job that want. Why? Why do I need to only go for one job? I have many talents. Many interests. I just want a job that will keep me busy, keep me interested, challenge me. I want to grow and move up within the company. I left the phone interview feeling like crap! She will forward my resume on for a position that I just lost due to office closure. I guess if I am, in the end, offered and accept this position, it is a foot in the door for a future in the right direction.

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