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 Speaking the Same Language: Bridging Communication Gaps in Interviews


Interviews are crucial in the hiring process, offering employers a window into candidates' potential and allowing candidates to gauge company culture and expectations. Recently, our team experienced a situation that underscored the importance of clear communication and just how easily misunderstandings can arise in what should be a straightforward exchange.

The Interview Experience

During a recent interview, we were eager to evaluate a candidate with an impressive resume. Toward the end of the session, we posed a seemingly straightforward question: “What would you bring to our team?”

To our surprise, the candidate paused, contemplated, and then responded, “Apples—do you like apples?”

While initially puzzled by the response, this moment quickly became a lightbulb moment for us. Instead of judging the answer, we realized we had missed a crucial step in our communication. Rather than achieving the insight we had hoped for, we’d inadvertently created confusion, highlighting a communication gap we had not anticipated.

The Confusion and Our Responsibility

This moment underscored a vital lesson: as interviewers, we must take responsibility for ensuring our questions are clear. We assumed our communication style would naturally resonate, yet it became apparent that our phrasing and tone had introduced ambiguity, resulting in a response that baffled us.

Our question was intended to prompt a discussion about the candidate’s skills, experiences, and what they would bring to the team. However, it hadn’t resonated the way we thought it would. This experience reminded us that effective communication is a two-way street, requiring clear questions from interviewers and an understanding of how candidates might interpret those questions. While we often think of language in terms of words or foreign languages, this experience reminded us how easily even a shared language can create misunderstandings when assumptions or unclear phrasing are involved.

The Importance of Engaging on the Candidate's Level

One of our biggest takeaways was the importance of meeting candidates at their level. A supportive interview environment fosters comfort and openness, and as interviewers, we must be conscious of how our questions come across. Here are several strategies we adopted to improve communication in interviews:

  • Clarify Expectations: At the beginning of the interview, set the stage by outlining the purpose and what types of responses you’re looking for. This context helps candidates understand how to frame their answers.

  • Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon and complex terms. Straightforward language minimizes confusion. For example, instead of “value proposition,” try asking, “What unique strengths do you bring to the table?”

  • Encourage Questions: Make it clear that candidates can ask for clarification. This open dialogue shows you value their input and helps both sides engage in a meaningful conversation.

  • Be Mindful of Non-Verbal Cues: Pay attention to the candidate’s expressions and body language. If they seem uncertain, pause and check in by asking, “How do you feel about that question?” This can help redirect the conversation.

  • Adapt to the Candidate’s Communication Style: Notice how the candidate responds and adjust your communication style accordingly. If they prefer analogies or storytelling, engage with that. This builds rapport and makes the conversation more productive.

  • Encourage the STAR Method: Suggest candidates use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework for structured responses. This helps them articulate their experiences clearly, making it easier for you to assess their skills.

  • Foster a Comfortable Environment: Small gestures like offering refreshments or starting with light conversation can help candidates feel more at ease.

  • Follow Up for Clarity: If a candidate’s response is vague or off-topic, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. This both clarifies their point and shows you’re invested in understanding them.

Learning from the Experience

Reflecting on this interview, we realized that communication in interviews extends beyond simply asking questions. Effective interviewing requires a foundation of clarity and understanding, and we committed to enhancing our interview strategies to ensure we better connect with candidates.

We also embraced feedback, inviting candidates to share their interview experiences to uncover any further gaps. These insights guided our improvements, underscoring our commitment to fostering a positive and meaningful candidate experience.

Conclusion

Interviews should serve as a space for open dialogue between the employer and the candidate. By acknowledging the importance of clear communication and making a conscious effort to engage with candidates in ways they can relate to, we can foster more productive interviews.

For us, the “apples” moment was a humorous yet impactful reminder of the need for clarity. Moving forward, we aim to build an environment that resonates with candidates, knowing that effective interviewing not only identifies the right team fit but also values each candidate’s unique perspective. Embracing these lessons, we’re committed to bridging communication gaps, fostering a culture of clarity, and ultimately strengthening our team by truly understanding and empowering candidates.

When you're ready to elevate your interviewing techniques or enhance your team's communication skills, Purciarele Group is here to help! Our tailored training programs are designed to empower your team and create a more inclusive and effective hiring process. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your interviewing approach and unlock the potential of your candidates.

Reach out to us today:

Let’s collaborate to enhance your hiring process and foster a culture of clarity within your organization!

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