We’ve talked about what questions to ask in interviews but how do you evaluate a candidate’s answers to those questions?

Hiring the right applicant might be difficult, but evaluating their responses during the interview can significantly impact your hiring process. Here, we’ll look at several key tips and techniques for effectively assessing a candidate’s responses.

We’ll go through everything you need to know about conducting a good interview, from recognizing the value of behavioral questions to analyzing nonverbal signs. So, are you ready to learn how to evaluate a candidate’s responses and make more informed hiring decisions? 

Let’s get started!

Key takeaways on how to evaluate a candidate’s answers

Here are some key ways to evaluate a candidate’s answer

1. Remember what the candidate said
2. Use the STAR framework

You can go through the following 5 criteria to further assess an answer

1. Clarity and simplicity
2. Staying on topic
3. Ability to listen
4. Candidate’s attitude
5. Consistency

Remember what the candidate said

During an interview, one of the most crucial things you can do is carefully listen to what the candidate is saying. It will not only show your respect for them and their experience, but it will also help you remember their responses.

After all, nothing is worse than forgetting an important detail and asking the candidate to repeat themselves. You may take notes, but keep eye contact and participate in the discourse.

Remember to ask follow-up questions depending on their responses. Remembering what the candidate said will allow you to better assess their skills and fit for the post.

Use the STAR framework

Have you heard of the STAR model? It’s a handy tool for extracting all of the information you need from a candidate’s response. 

Let’s say you ask a behavioral question, such as “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult colleague.”

A well-prepared applicant may structure their response using the STAR framework:

• S – Situation 
• T – Task 
• A – Action
• R – Result

You can also utilize this framework to assure a complete answer.

5 steps to evaluating a candidate’s answers

1. Clarity and simplicity

Have you ever had to go through an interview with a candidate who couldn’t seem to answer a single question? If so, we understand how frustrating it can be. 

One important part of analyzing a candidate’s responses is to check for clarity and simplicity. It could be a red flag if the candidate rambles on without answering your question or includes irrelevant information. 

Therefore, it’s critical to pay attention to clear and concise responses. After all, how will they communicate well on the job if they can’t speak properly in an interview?

2. Staying on topic

Another important factor to consider when you evaluate a candidate’s answers is whether they stay on topic. Sometimes, candidates may unintentionally lose track of the question. However, this could be a red indicator if they purposefully delay answering the question.

In this scenario, try redirecting the candidate or asking a more direct question. If the candidate still appears unwilling or unable to respond, this could indicate they are not a good fit for the role. Staying on topic is critical for efficient communication and a skill every employee should have.

3. Ability to listen

Listening abilities are essential for efficient business communication. As an interviewer, you should pay attention to how well a candidate listens.

Good listeners tend to deliver more relevant and insightful responses. However, candidates who often interrupt or misunderstand your queries, may not be the best listeners.

4. Candidate’s attitude

A candidate’s attitude is just as important as the content of his or her response. If a candidate’s tone comes off as condescending or arrogant, it’s worth thinking if they’d be a good match for the job, even if their answer is fitting.

After all, a candidate’s attitude may greatly influence team interactions and overall workplace culture. Look for positive, courteous applicants, and those who are eager to learn and engage with others. A positive mindset can help them succeed in any position.

5. Consistency

Consistent communication skills may bring success in any profession. Thus, consistency is key while examining a candidate’s responses. It might be a red flag if an applicant claims to have outstanding communication abilities yet struggles to finish their sentences or delivers lengthy replies.

Building trust and confidence with colleagues and clients requires consistency. Look for applicants that can deliver concise and clear responses on a consistent basis. You must also keep an eye out for candidates who can communicate well in a range of scenarios.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evaluating a candidate’s answers is crucial to the hiring process. By paying attention to factors such as simplicity, staying on topic, attitude, ability to listen, and consistency, you can better understand a candidate’s qualifications, communication style, and overall fit for the role.

Keep these tips in mind next time you conduct an interview to help ensure that you make the best hiring decision for your organization. Here are 8 most popular questions to ask candidates during an interview.