It's foremost while interacting with any Candidate to create comfortable & supportive environment for them which makes them more relaxed- reflecting genuine interaction from the interview perspective. Active listening, giving a pause during conversations - will add value. We should ask Open ended questions this will be win-win situation at both the ends, creating positive reinforcement for the accomplishments they have made in their project. Finally post interview follow up/thank you note - this makes a great impact.

Remain Calm and Composed by responding with empathy, ensure that your tone and demeanor stays calm, which helps in balancing the situation. Also by staying composed, you maintain authority over the situation without diminishing the other person's emotional experience. It gives the impression of having things under control while also showing emotional awareness. Being Assertive in your Communication while you express yourself. It will be ideal if you do it in a way that shows you care about the other person’s experience, still being assertive in your communication.

It’s important to strike a balance between empathy and maintaining control of the process. First, I start by creating a comfortable environment, ensuring the candidate feels at ease and valued. I listen actively, acknowledging their responses and showing genuine interest in their experiences. At the same time, I stay focused on the structure of the interview, guiding the conversation to ensure all key topics are covered. I ask thoughtful, open-ended questions to encourage the candidate to share their insights while keeping the interview on track. By being respectful and engaging, we can create a positive experience for the candidate while also making sure the interview serves its purpose.

It is very important to ask questions that encourage the candidate to share their experiences and feelings. This allows them to express themselves more fully and provides you with insights into their personality. If a candidate seems nervous or anxious, offer reassurance and support.

To show empathy while staying in control during an interview: Start Warm: Greet warmly to ease nerves. Listen Actively: Show you're engaged with nods and affirmations. Acknowledge: Recognize challenges or achievements briefly. Stay Focused: Redirect gently if the conversation goes off track. Encourage: End positively, regardless of the outcome. This approach keeps the conversation professional yet empathetic.

I always say that interviews should not be used as platforms to catch people out. The fact that you're conducting the interview with the candidate means that you see some potential in them. I've attended an interview where the interviewer asked me to switch off the camera after the introductions. This gesture on its own contributed significantly to my confidence and the manner in which I was able to sell myself. It also showed me the kind of environment I would be working in, a safe and trusting environment, which made me even eager to join the team. What we need to remember is tht interviews seldom give us an accurate indication of a candidate's capabilities, not everyone is able to sell themselves especially under stressful situations.

I balance empathy and control by creating a comfortable atmosphere for the candidate, starting with open-ended questions and active listening. While I remain respectful and approachable, I steer the conversation to gather the necessary insights to make an informed decision

By balancing active listening with time management - interviews are ment to learn both the professional and personality of the candidate, otherwise the interviewer leaves the interview not feeling fully sure of the candidate either way. Remember as the interviewer to keep the interview conversational but moving along to hit on the important topics.

I often conduct interviews for senior roles, where candidates usually exhibit high self-confidence. However, some candidates may be anxious. To show empathy and create a welcoming environment, I start with light conversation, welcoming them and acknowledging their nerves. I then move on to softball questions like, "What do you enjoy most in your current role?" This helps candidates feel at ease before transitioning to in-depth questions. I show empathy and maintain control through active listening, maintaining eye contact, and using phrases like "That’s a great example." Additionally, summarizing key points shows engagement and makes candidates feel valued and respected.