Location and environment are important in setting up interviews. Like a bad seat in a movie, sometimes it's possible for hiring managers to miss a positive candidate simply because the physical surroundings are uncomfortable. How can you have a more positive experience with a candidate in an interview? Here are a few pointers to ensure that the experience is a good one.

1. Always ensure privacy

The interview process is about you asking questions and getting honest answers from your candidate. Sometimes these are hard questions to ask and to answer. People buzzing around not lend itself to a good dialog. The best place for an interview is in your own office, preferably with the door shut. If you work in a cubicle or if your office resembles London after the blitz, reserve a space in the conference room or ask a colleague if you can borrow their office.

2. Take care where you sit

Try to avoid conducting an interview sitting behind your desk. Even though you may be the candidate's next boss, the authoritarian stance of this scenario is often too overwhelming and doesn't promote good dialogue.

3. Always sit face-to-face

I like to sit facing the candidate with the resume on my lap, pen in hand. Judging "body language" is important.  Notice particularly whether the candidate remains at ease as difficult question are posed. Note what gestures are used as he/she makes a point. Does the candidate maintain eye contact with you? These are important things to be best observed when sitting face-to-face with the candidate.

If you use the conference room, have your candidate take a chair that is not directly opposite from you but at the corner of the table either to your right or left. This will promote more dialogue as well. Make sure your room is reserved to cut down on interruptions.

4. Do not take phone calls

To many of us, this sounds foolish. You'd be surprised how many hiring managers don't know this. Not only does taking phone calls give the wrong message to the candidate about the importance of the interview, it's too distracting for you. You'll lose your train of thought and the risk that the candidate will not come across well gets considerably higher.

5. Try to avoid having lunch the first time around

I don't care if your office is between the freight elevator and the dumpster or if your company lives in the worst part of town, where you are located is where your new employee will be working. Always have the first interview at your offices unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e., you are hiring for a remote location). Besides, lunches can be distracting at a first interview — too much chewing, too many distractions around the table and the room, too much waitress banter, etc. For the second interview, lunches can be a fine venue.

If you keep the environment as harmonious as possible during the interview, all your energy will be directed toward the ultimate goal: hiring the very best candidate.

See you here next month for our article, “Are my independent contractors really legal?”

Philip Kemper is Founder/President of Kemper Associates, a 35 year old Chicago-based national executive search firm, specializing in Permanent and Contract staffing for Trade Shows and Exhibits, Staging and Equipment Rental, Business Meetings and Events Production, Video, Training and Incentives and more. You may view Kemper Associates’ web site at: www.Kemperassociates.net , and contact Phil with questions or comments, and employment needs at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or his private phone line: (312) 944-6551.