The Power of Dialogue in the Interviewing Process

In today's competitive job market, finding the perfect candidate can be a challenging task. Often, a candidate's resume may seem impressive on paper, but when it comes to the actual interview, things can take an unexpected turn. Recently, I had an experience that reinforced the importance of effective dialogue during the interviewing process.

I interviewed a candidate who, on paper, had all the qualifications and experiences we were looking for. However, as soon as the interview began, it became evident that something was amiss. The candidate started talking, and it seemed like she couldn't stop. While I expected her to provide thoughtful answers, she rambled on, making it challenging to extract relevant information.

This experience once again highlighted a crucial aspect of the interviewing process - the power of dialogue. An interview is not just about the interviewer asking questions and the candidate answering them. It's a two-way conversation that allows both parties to get to know each other better. Effective dialogue is the key to understanding a candidate's true capabilities, personality, and cultural fit within the organisation.

When a candidate talks excessively, it can hinder the flow of the interview and prevent the interviewer from gathering valuable insights. It's essential for candidates to strike a balance between providing comprehensive answers and allowing the interviewer to guide the conversation. This balance allows the interview to be a productive exchange of information, helping both parties make an informed decision.

This is especially important for C-level hires, as candidates are expected to have well developed soft sills and should be mindful of the importance of brevity and relevance in their responses.

Let's remember that the interview is not just about what's on paper; it's about the meaningful exchange of ideas and information!