Vous faites face à un candidat sur la défensive lors d’un entretien. Comment pouvez-vous faire preuve d’empathie avec assurance dans cette situation ?

When dealing with a defensive candidate, start by acknowledging their concerns. A simple, ‘I understand this may be challenging,’ can disarm tension and create a more open dialogue. Ask open-ended questions that allow the candidate to explain their perspective. This not only shows empathy but also demonstrates that you’re genuinely interested in understanding their viewpoint. End the interview on a positive note, regardless of how it went. Thank the candidate for their time and effort, reinforcing that their feelings and experiences were respected throughout the process.

How you manage challenging interview scenarios reflects your organization’s values and culture. Demonstrating patience, understanding, and professionalism in the face of defensiveness reinforces a workplace culture that values respect and constructive dialogue. Even if the candidate remains defensive, your efforts to handle the situation with care can leave a positive impression. Candidates are more likely to appreciate and respect an interviewer who listens, provides reassurance, and communicates clearly, regardless of the outcome. Each time you handle a defensive candidate with empathy and assertiveness, you strengthen your own skills in conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and communication.

When interviewing a defensive candidate, stay calm and maintain a supportive tone. Acknowledge their feelings by saying something like, "I understand this topic might be sensitive," to show empathy. Follow up with open-ended questions to encourage them to share their perspective. Use active listening, paraphrasing their responses to show understanding. Assertively guide the conversation back to the job requirements and how their experiences align, emphasizing a mutual goal of finding the right fit.

Facing a defensive candidate during an interview requires empathy. First of all you have to understand their feelings and the reasons why the candidate behaves like this then try to reframe the situation positively. For example, recognize their situation and make a statement about a situation that you also went through and had same results, this way the candidate will feel more open to you as an interviewer. Always make open ended questions that encourage the candidate to express themselves, this way you are showing that you are genuinely interested on their candidacy. The best people to communicate with are those who are active listeners so try to clarify and misunderstandings. By seeking clarification you show that you value their input

When facing a defensive candidate in an interview it is important to try and remain calm but still maintain assertiveness. This would involve a combination of active listening, acknowledging their perspective, and guiding the conversation back to its purpose. Trying to understand why they are displaying this type of behavior can also assist in making the right decision or taking the necessary course of action. I have done many in-depth interviews in the past where some candidates have even started crying in the interviews so it is important to show empathy and put them at ease in the situation.