How To Conduct A Productive And Positive Job Interview
Posted 25th March 2026 • Written by Jack Kelly on forbes.com • • • • • •
Do Your Homework
Before meeting with a candidate, the interviewer should collect data and intelligence about the person they’re interviewing. This includes checking out the person’s LinkedIn profile and social media posts on X, Instagram, Facebook and more.
This isn't considered stalking; it’s a convenient way to get a picture of the person. The more information you glean, the better the conversation will flow. From your due diligence, you’ll gain a sense of their personality, know where they attended college, what sports teams they root for and other tidbits. Once you're in possession of this information, you are ready to start a conversation.
I purposely say “conversation” in the context of the interview because it makes people more comfortable. When someone feels safe, they’re more apt to be honest and transparent. Rather than diving right in, start with an ice breaker such as asking about a sports game from the other night, the weather or some trending topic.
Make The Interviewee Comfortable
To conduct an effective job interview that makes the candidate feel at ease, it's important to create a welcoming atmosphere and establish rapport from the outset. To create a comfortable mood, an interviewer should start by engaging in small talk to put the applicant at ease. If you create a nurturing environment, the candidate will engage more, which will allow you to learn much more about the person as they become relaxed, comfortable and confident.
On the day of the interview, greet the candidate warmly with a smile and offer a glass of water, coffee or beverage. Small gestures like this can significantly ease nerves and create a bond.
When it comes to asking tough questions, introduce them gradually. Save more challenging questions for the middle or end of the interview, and give the candidate ample time to think and respond. This approach helps to avoid putting undue pressure on the candidate right from the start.
Ask open-ended questions so that the applicant can’t just say “yes” or “no.” You want the person to elaborate on their answers. As they share their responses, provide follow-up questions in a friendly, non-intimidating manner.
Actively listen to what they say. Then, reframe their answers to show that you’re paying attention. Make sure to maintain eye contact. Nod your head when the applicant is saying something so they know you are paying attention. Use their name a number of times, as it will perk them up.
Be confident in your approach, but avoid coming across as arrogant or intimidating. Throughout the interview, maintain a balance between being friendly and professional. The interview is a two-way process. You're evaluating the candidate, but they're also assessing whether the company and role are a good fit.
Wrap up the interview by asking if the candidate has any questions or would like to expand upon something they talked about previously. Thank them for their time. Since there are other applicants, it’s hard for the interviewer to definitely give an answer one way or another regarding their candidacy. However, subtly offer some tidbits to help the applicant get a feeling of how they performed and the likelihood of moving forward in the process. Offer your business card so that they can keep in touch with you.
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