I do understand sometimes I could come across intimidating in interviews. Even someone as experience as I am, I find being interviewed unnerving too.
So these are tricks I do use to help draw responses from nervous applicants.
1. Use repetition. Repeat the last few words of the applicant’s last statement, and then ask for further elaboration. This would give them time to think and able to guide them to what to say next.
2. Summarize. As we gather together what the applicant is trying to tell us, summarize our understanding and again ask for further elaboration. Putting the question in context would help them to speak further.
3. Ask closed questions. By asking these directed, closed questions, sometimes the applicants would be able to respond more and when they do, most of the times it would increase their comfort level.
4. Silence. Pause a moment if you want something more. Don’t jump in right after they finish talking. Be silent, look reflective and often the applicants will continue talking to give us the something more.
And always remember to smile. Be friendly and laugh a little doesn’t hurt along the way too.
Bimbo
