The Dos and Don'ts of Conducting Effective Job Interviews

Conducting job interviews is one of the most critical steps in the hiring process. A well-executed interview helps identify the most suitable candidates and ensures a positive impression of your organization. Understanding the dos and don’ts of interviews will allow hiring managers to evaluate candidates effectively while maintaining professionalism.
 

One of the most essential steps to conducting compelling job interviews is preparation. Hiring managers must clearly understand the job description, required skills, and key qualifications. This involves carefully reviewing the candidate’s resume and application before they arrive. Preparing thoughtful, role-specific questions enables a structured and meaningful conversation that focuses on relevant areas. A lack of preparation may lead to vague discussions that fail to properly evaluate a candidate’s potential.

Additionally, it is essential to create an organized interview plan. Determine whether the interview format will be behavioral, technical, or conversational, and communicate this to your team. Prepare a consistent set of questions for all candidates to ensure fairness and comparability in your evaluations.
 

The quality of your questions determines the success of your interview. Focus on open-ended questions that encourage candidates to provide detailed responses rather than simple yes or no answers. Examples include, “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it,” or “Can you walk me through a successful project you completed?” These types of questions assess critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Avoid asking overly personal or inappropriate questions, such as inquiries about age, marital status, or other protected characteristics. Not only are such questions irrelevant to job performance, but they can also expose your organization to legal risks. Keeping questions professional and role-focused demonstrates respect for the candidate while gathering meaningful insights.
 

Active listening is a cornerstone of effective interviewing. Please pay close attention to what candidates say and encourage them to elaborate on their responses when necessary. Please resist the urge to dominate the conversation or interrupt their thought process. Instead, let the candidate speak freely while observing their communication style, confidence, and ability to think on their feet.

Taking notes during the interview helps you remember key points and evaluate candidates objectively. Write down highlights, accomplishments, or potential concerns mentioned during the discussion. This practice helps during the decision-making process and ensures consistency when comparing multiple candidates.
 

First impressions matter. Greet candidates warmly and create a welcoming atmosphere to help put them at ease. An uncomfortable or tense environment can prevent candidates from performing at their best, and you may miss out on understanding their true abilities. Please introduce yourself and your role, outline the interview structure, and ensure they know the time allocated.

Maintaining professionalism throughout the interview is equally crucial. This includes staying on schedule, dressing appropriately, and avoiding distractions like checking your phone or emails. A professional demeanor reflects positively on your organization and sets a standard of respect and integrity.
 

It is critical to remain objective and unbiased during interviews. Avoid making assumptions or judgments based on a candidate’s appearance, background, or other irrelevant factors. Instead, focus solely on their qualifications, experience, and responses. Unconscious bias can lead to poor hiring decisions and undermine efforts to build a diverse and talented workforce.

To minimize bias, implement structured interviews where all candidates are asked the same questions. Additionally, use scoring rubrics or evaluation tools to assess answers based on predetermined criteria. This process ensures a fair and merit-based assessment of all applicants.
 

At the end of the interview, communicate the next steps in the hiring process. Let candidates know when they can expect to hear back from you and if additional rounds of interviews or assessments will be required. Providing this information shows professionalism and respect for the candidate’s time and efforts.

Regardless of the outcome, thank the candidate for their time and interest in the role. A positive candidate experience leaves a lasting impression and reflects well on your organization’s reputation, even for those who may not be selected.


Conducting compelling job interviews requires preparation, active listening, and professionalism. By asking the right questions, avoiding bias, and providing a welcoming environment, hiring managers can evaluate candidates objectively and ensure a positive experience for all parties involved. With these dos and don’ts in mind, you can make informed hiring decisions that contribute to the success of your team and organization.