This post isn’t just about job interviews. It’s about any information exchange where you are seeking to gather information from or learn about another person.
Virtually every interviewer we’ve trained, new or veteran, talks more than is necessary during interviews. All of that “filler” wastes valuable time. It robs the other person of the ability to express themselves freely. Worst of all, it can corrupt your data! The excessive information you share can “lead the witness” and distort what the other person shares thereafter.
People overtalk for many different reasons. By understanding what your own triggers are, you are much better equipped to break the habit.
Which one of the below sounds like you?
1. “I’m nervous. I fill the air to avoid awkwardness.”
Asking questions feels way more awkward than answering questions. For most people, sharing their opinions or talking about themselves is enjoyable.
2. “I feel weird with all ‘take’ and no ‘give.’ Shouldn’t it be a two-way street?”
Whether it’s a job interview, a talk show, a deposition, or a focus group, take heart: Everyone knows why we’re here. If you didn’t tell the candidate you would be interviewing them, that’s a problem. But if you did, please stop grabbing the mic from them.
3. “I feel the need to explain why I am asking the question.”
Over 95% of the time, it will be obvious to the other person. And even if it isn’t, they are talking about themselves, or sharing their opinion, so (once again) they’re fine. Just ask your question.
4. “Sometimes when I ask questions, the person doesn’t immediately respond. That silence is awkward.”
It’s awkward for you because your brain is not fully engaged in crafting a response. Theirs is. Give them time. Zip it!
5. “Some questions I ask are about negative things, like a person’s mistakes or weaknesses. I feel the need to ‘soften the blow’ with additional context or explanation.”
All you’re doing is drawing attention to those questions and showcasing your own discomfort.
6. “I have so many different topics to cover, and it feels disjointed. I feel like I need some kind of a narrative or set of segues that stitch it all together.”
There’s no need. I have never heard a candidate say, “Whoa, that’s a totally different question than the one you asked before. It’s so jarring. Couldn’t you have warned me or something?”
Seriously . . . cut all the filler. Just let your curiosity and fascination ooze from your eyes, face, and voice. Keep it simple and keep it focused on them.
Candidates will thank you for it.
This post was originally published on LinkedIn.
Jordan Burton has 17 years of experience as an executive assessor and interviewing trainer, working with top VC/PE investors and high-growth startups to help them hire the best of the best. He has trained thousands of founders, leaders, and investors on hiring and interviewing skills. He leads Talgo’s business development initiatives, managing relationships with Sequoia Capital, TH Lee, Palantir, Scale AI, and over 50 venture-backed startups.
