Submitted on Thu 18 Jul 2024
Imagine walking into a job interview feeling as nervous as a turkey on Christmas Eve, only to be greeted with a frosty reception that makes Jack Frost look warm and fuzzy. Sounds about as appealing as a stocking full of coal, doesn't it?
It’s Christmas in July, our favourite time of year when we do the three things we love the most; giving the gift of our experience, raising money for charity and stretching Christmas metaphors to breaking point. So, let's do both as we unwrap the importance of thawing the ice and fostering toasty communication during job interviews.
When it comes to interviews, effective communication and rapport-building are like adding brandy to the Christmas pudding – they make everything a bit merrier and add warmth to an experience. They can ensure candidates leave with a smile rather than a shiver. So how do you go about it?
- Setting the Scene: First impressions are as crucial as avoiding the mistletoe at the office party. From the moment candidates walk through the door (or log into Zoom), it's essential to set the scene with a warm welcome and a genuine smile. You don’t need to act like an overzealous department store Santa but recognise that the interviewee is likely nervous and take time to make sure they are comfortable and feel welcome.
- Active Listening: Listening during interviews is like untangling fairy lights – it requires patience, focus, and the occasional swear word (inside your head of course). Instead of nodding off like your nan after too much sherry, actively listen to candidates' responses, showing genuine interest in their tales of triumph and woe. Many interviewers zone out, waiting to ask their next question, good interviewer actively listen. Remember, the best interviews are like a good Christmas cracker – they're a two-way street of pushing and pulling.
- Building Rapport: Building rapport with candidates is like finding the perfect Christmas tree – it takes a bit of effort, but the payoff is worth it. Find common ground, engage with them about things they are genuinely passionate about, be curious about their experiences. By fostering a sense of camaraderie, you'll create a more relaxed atmosphere where candidates can be themselves.
- Clear and Honest Communication: Communication breakdowns are as welcome as a sprout-induced bottom burp at the Christmas dinner table – they stink up the place and ruin everyone's appetite. Be clear and transparent about the role, company culture, and expectations from the get-go. Avoid corporate jargon. After all, nobody wants to decipher a job description more complicated than a cryptic crossword.
- Follow-Up and Feedback: Even Santa checks his list twice. Being thorough and closing loops is key to good interviewing. It's essential to follow up with candidates after the interview. Thank them for their time, provide any necessary updates, and offer constructive feedback where applicable. Even if they're not the right fit for the role, leaving them with a positive impression is like leaving a mince pie out for Santa – it's the least you can do to spread a bit of cheer and you never know how it might pay off in the future.
It goes without saying, that effective communication and rapport-building are like the icing on the Christmas cake – they make everything a bit sweeter. So, dust off your metaphorical mistletoe, embrace the spirit of warmth and hospitality, and watch as your recruitment efforts spread more joy than a festive sing-along. After all, in the game of hiring, it's better to be a Santa than a Scrooge.
If you’re feeling the holiday spirit and want to make a difference, why not join our Christmas in July charity drive? We’re supporting Youth Off The Streets, an awesome organisation dedicated helping young people, their families and communities to create safety, offer support and provide opportunities to build a positive future. Click here to contribute and spread some cheer this season.
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Specialist Sydney Employment Agency within Information Technology, Project Services, IT Infrastructure, Software Development, SAP, Data and Analytics, Devops, Cloud and the Public Sector.
