Hiring Hero? Your 10 Must-Dos to Nail the Interview (From Your Side of the Table!

Hey there, hiring managers, team leads, and culture-crafters!

Let's be real: interviewing can be just as nerve-wracking for us as it is for the candidate. You’ve sifted through a mountain of CVs, found a few gems, and now it’s showtime. You’re not just assessing skills; you’re making a decision that will shape your team’s dynamic, your projects, and your own sanity for the foreseeable future. No pressure, right?

At Hyrli, we’re all about creating connections that empower both businesses and talent. It’s a two-way street! So, while the candidate is prepping their "tell me about yourself" spiel, what should you be doing to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward?

Here are your 10 must-dos to transform from just an interviewer into a true Hiring Hero.

1. Do Your Homework (Yes, Really!)

Skip the skim-read. Dive into that CV again. Check out their LinkedIn profile, their portfolio, maybe even a personal blog if it’s relevant. Your goal isn’t to stalk, but to understand the person behind the application. This allows you to ask insightful, specific questions that go beyond the basics, showing the candidate you value their time and experience from the get-go.

2. Set the Stage for a Conversation, Not an Interrogation

The best interviews feel like a dynamic, professional conversation. Your opening sets the tone. Start with a warm welcome, a quick intro of yourself and anyone else in the room, and a brief overview of what they can expect. A simple, "We're really excited to learn more about your experience with X today," can work wonders to dissolve those first-minute jitters (theirs and yours!)

3. Sell the Dream (But Be Authentic)

You’re not just evaluating them; they are critically evaluating you and your company. This is your chance to sell the vision, the culture, and the impact of the role. Talk about the exciting projects, the team's wins, and the real opportunities for growth. But keep it 100% real. Transparency about challenges builds trust and attracts candidates who are genuinely up for the task.

4. Master the Art of the Open-Ended Question

• "Do you work well in a team?" is a dead-end question. The answer is always "yes."

• Instead, ask behavioural and situational questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a teammate. How did you handle it?"

• "Walk me through how you approached [a specific project on their CV]."

• "This role involves a lot of X. Can you give me an example of how you've handled that in the past?"

This reveals problem-solving skills, mindset, and real-world experience.

5. Listen (Seriously!)

You should be talking about 30% of the time. The other 70% is for them to talk, and for you to actively listen. Pay attention to not just what they say, but how they say it. Take notes on key points so you can follow up. Avoid the temptation to jump in or finish their sentences. The magic is often in the pauses and the details.

6. Introduce Them to the Tribe

Culture fit is everything. A quick, informal introduction to a potential future colleague or a walk past the team area can be more revealing than an hour of questions. It gives the candidate a tangible feel for the environment and allows your team to subconsciously vet the fit, too. It makes the opportunity feel real.

7. Leave Ample Time for Their Questions

This is non-negotiable. Their questions are a goldmine of insight. Do they ask about growth and development? Company values? Team processes? Or just about the salary and leave days? The quality and depth of their questions tell you about their priorities, curiosity, and level of preparation.

8. Be Crystal Clear on the Next Steps

Nothing creates a worse candidate experience than the dreaded "black hole" of silence after an interview. Before they leave, outline what happens next. "We have a few more candidates to interview this week. You can expect to hear from us by next Tuesday via email, regardless of the outcome." This manages expectations, shows respect, and reinforces your company's professionalism.

9. Debrief & Document Immediately

Don't wait until the end of the week when all the candidates have blurred into one. Right after the interview, while it's fresh, jot down your key impressions, strengths, red flags, and outstanding questions. If you’re interviewing with a colleague, compare notes immediately. This makes the final decision-making process so much easier and more objective.

10. Remember: You’re a Brand Ambassador

From the first email to the final handshake, you are the face of your company. Every interaction shapes your employer brand. Even if the candidate isn't the right fit, a positive and respectful interview experience means they’ll walk away speaking highly of your company. And in today's connected world, that reputation is priceless.

The Bottom Line.

Hiring is a huge responsibility, but it’s also an incredible opportunity. You’re not just filling a role; you’re building your team’s future. By focusing on preparation, conversation, and respect, you move from simply judging a candidate to truly connecting with potential talent.

Ready to find your next great hire and build a team that thrives? Hyrli is here to help you every step of the way.