Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Nowhere is this sentiment more relevant than in the realm of job interviews. While organizations often focus on evaluating candidates' skills and qualifications, the importance of treating them with respect and fairness cannot be overstated. In this article, we delve into why the way candidates are treated during interviews is pivotal and offer actionable tips for improvement.

The Why Factors

Reflecting Company Culture and Values

The way candidates are treated during interviews is a direct reflection of the company's culture and values. It's not enough for organizations to merely espouse their values; they must demonstrate them through their actions. A poor interview experience can undermine even the most eloquent descriptions of company values.

Impact on Engagement and Retention

A well-conducted interview process can significantly impact a candidate's engagement and retention once they join the organization. Candidates who feel appreciated and respected during the hiring process are more likely to be motivated and committed to their roles. This positive experience sets the stage for a strong employer-employee relationship, fostering higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

A fair and respectful interview process is crucial for promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce. Treating all candidates equally, irrespective of their background, helps create an inclusive atmosphere and encourages individuals from diverse demographics to pursue opportunities within the organization. A diverse workforce brings a range of perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and creativity.

Building a Favorable Employer Brand

A positive candidate experience is fundamental to building a favorable employer brand. Even if a candidate is not ultimately selected for the position, their overall experience during the interview process can shape their perception of the company. Candidates who feel valued, respected, and well-treated are more likely to view the organization positively, leading to enhanced word-of-mouth referrals and attracting top talent in the long run.

The Success Factors: How to Run an Interview Process

Be Prepared: Thoroughly review the candidate's resume or any relevant information beforehand. This demonstrates respect for the candidate's time and effort.

Create a Comfortable Environment: Offer a friendly greeting, introduce everyone participating from your company, and explain the agenda for the interview. Creating a calm and welcoming environment helps alleviate candidate nerves.

Clear Communication: Articulate questions clearly, avoiding jargon or overly technical language. Remember the Pareto Principle: spend 20% of the time speaking as the interviewer and 80% listening to the candidate.

Active Listening: Listen attentively to the candidate's responses, showing genuine interest. Avoid distractions such as checking your phone during the interview.

Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback at the end of the interview, demonstrating honesty and transparency. Candidates appreciate knowing areas for improvement.

Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid over-promising regarding timelines for hearing back after the interview. Setting realistic expectations manages candidate anticipation and avoids disappointment.

Communication Is Key: Keep candidates informed throughout the process to alleviate stress and uncertainty. Silence can breed anxiety, so maintain regular communication.

Closure: Once a final candidate has been chosen, communicate the news respectfully to other candidates. Treating everyone with decency and respect, regardless of the outcome, leaves a lasting impression.

In the competitive landscape of talent acquisition, treating candidates well during the interview process is not just a nicety—it's a strategic imperative. A positive candidate experience contributes to a strong employer brand, fosters employee engagement and retention, promotes diversity and inclusion, and ultimately leads to sustained success and growth for organizations.

If you would like to strengthen your interview process, contact our recruitment team for expert guidance. 

https://www.pharmarelations.com/expertise/specialist-recruitment