Interviews are stressful, but they don’t have to be – at least not for the interviewer! A good interviewer should be able to put the candidate at ease and help them feel relaxed, but many do the opposite.

Our top 10 interview tips will help you get the best out of your candidate and find the right fit, while you give them the experience they’re after and build a comfortable relationship along the way.

In an interview, it’s important to remember that you are representing your company, so you want to give them a good experience and showcase all that you have to offer – you are selling the business to them as well as them selling themselves to you!

If you want to know more about their personality, or if you need inspiration on how to conduct an engaging interview, this guide will tell you everything you need to know!

1) Have a 'script'

Before the interview starts, take a few minutes to think of some specific questions you want to ask and jot them down. You can also prepare open-ended and behavioural questions in advance, too. If you have any particularly important topics that are relevant to your company or role (e.g., experience with X software), make sure those are covered in the conversation as well.

2) Consider your body language

It's important to be aware of your body language during an interview, as it can say a lot about your interest level in the candidate. Try to keep an open posture, make eye contact, and avoid crossing your arms or legs. You want the candidate to feel comfortable and safe in your presence.

When you address a candidate directly, you should be focusing your attention on their face rathe than any other area of their body. You can also use open-ended questions to encourage them to talk about themselves and why they're interested in working with your company. Listen carefully and remember key points. The more you know about them, the better.

3) Use their name

One of the most important things you can do during a job interview is to use your candidate's name. This shows that you're paying attention and that you care about them as a person. Plus, it'll help build a comfortable relationship between you and the candidate.

4) Remember why they are there

The interview is your chance to get to know the candidate and see if they are a good fit for the job and company. It's important to be friendly and build a comfortable relationship with the candidate so you can get the best out of them. Pay attention to how they present themselves, their demeanour, and their personality. Keep in mind that everyone has different personalities and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to interviewing someone.

5) Check their CV against what they say

One of the most important things you can do during an interview is to check the candidate's CV against what they're saying. This will help you catch any inconsistencies and help you get a better sense of their qualifications.

 When a candidate says they have a degree in business, ask them to explain how that degree helped shape their career. If they list a particular project, follow up by asking them to elaborate on what they learned from it. These kinds of questions will help you gauge whether they're telling you what you want to hear or if they really are qualified for your job opening.

6) Start with something easy then move on to more complex things

Start with an icebreaker question to help the candidate relax. Then, ask questions that gradually get more difficult. Be sure to listen carefully to the answers and take notes. At the end of the interview, thank the candidate for their time and let them know when they can expect to hear back from you.

7) Be genuine in response

The most important thing you can do as an interviewer is to be genuine in your responses. This means being honest about the role, the company, and what you're looking for in a candidate. It also means being respectful and professional with each and every person you interview.

8) Tell them the salary

You should always tell candidates the salary upfront. This shows that you're confident in what you're offering and that you're not trying to hide anything. It also helps to weed out candidates who are only interested in the money – you want the right people to be interested at the right level. Plus, it sets the tone for a more open and honest conversation about the job.

9) Make time for some informal chat at the end

Asking more relaxed questions at the end of an interview is a great way to get to know your candidate better from a cultural perspective and see if they would be a good fit for your team. Plus, it shows that you're interested in their thoughts and opinions. It also gives them a chance to tell you about themselves and why they think they are perfect for the job. You should also see if they have any questions for you – if they don’t – then maybe it’s a sign that they aren’t that interested.

10) Discuss the next steps

Try to offer some initial feedback and an idea of what the next steps will be before wrapping up so people can have closure on what went well during the interview and what happens next – there is nothing worse for a candidate than them being left in the dark and wondering when they will hear anything.