The Golden Rule for Interviews

One simple framework to conduct more effective and kinder interviews.

Over the last three years, I conducted over 130 interviews and was on the panel for a couple dozen more. When I look back at all those interviews, I am proud of how we conducted the interviews and the success we had.

During every interview, I had a golden rule, which I asked all my fellow interviewers to follow as well. This rule helped us create a better, more welcoming, and successful interview experience.

And this rule is simply:

Root for every single person you interview.

Approach every interview wanting every candidate to do their best. Do everything you can to help them succeed.

For example, you can:

• Meet their access needs.

• Help them relax and be at ease.

• Make your interviews as accessible as possible.

• If they stumble over a question, let them start over or recover.

• Ask follow-up questions that prompt them to fill in a gap or showcase something great about them.

• Focus on what they are saying, not how they are saying it.

These are just a few ideas. You can come up with more.

Interviews are stressful. And despite our best efforts, some candidates will not have a good interview; some will not be the right fit. But, if you root for all of them, you will have more candidates to choose from. The best candidate might just need a little support in their interviews to shine.

This golden rule makes us kinder, more curious, and able to imagine more possibilities. It is also a driver to help us make things more equitable and accessible. And ultimately, it makes for a more supportive and open process.

Root for everyone you interview.

If they succeed, you succeed.