How to Interview a Candidate You Don’t Immediately Click With

It’s often easier for interviewers to connect with candidates who have similar backgrounds, pedigrees, credentials, or perspectives. In fact, research shows that implicit bias shapes hiring managers’ perceptions of candidates in profound ways. At the same time, research also attests to the enormous benefits of diversity. As organizations experiment with new ways to attract and retain underrepresented talent, the job interview dynamic merits further attention. Fortunately, there are proven strategies for boosting your chances of “clicking” with an interviewee — and for breathing new life into interviews that appear to be on their last gasps.