How to Avoid Getting Swept Away by Candidate Charisma: A Guide to Better Interviews

As recruiters and hiring managers, we’ve all experienced the excitement of interviewing a charismatic candidate who seems perfect for the role. But how often does that initial impression translate into long-term success?

In this guide, we’ll explore strategies to ensure you’re making hiring decisions based on substance rather than just charm.

Recognize when you’re getting “candidate googly-eyed”

The first step is self-awareness. When you find yourself extremely excited about a candidate, pause and ask yourself why. What specific qualities are making you feel this way? Is it their ability to articulate solutions to problems, or is it more superficial factors like their sense of humor or ability to give compliments?

Action step: Make a list of the reasons you like the candidate. This simple exercise can help you distinguish between genuine qualifications and surface-level appeal.

Look beyond likeability

While it’s important to hire people you enjoy working with, likeability alone isn’t enough for a successful working relationship. Consider how well you’ll actually collaborate with this person on a day-to-day basis. Will your communication styles mesh? Do you have compatible work philosophies?

Remember: It’s possible to grow to like someone you initially felt neutral about if you work well together. Conversely, you may quickly come to dislike a charismatic person if your working styles clash.

Use a simple scorecard during interviews

To keep yourself grounded during interviews, consider using a basic scorecard with 4-5 key criteria relevant to the role. Rate candidates on a scale of 1-5 for each criterion. This approach ensures that charisma is just one factor among several being evaluated.

Example criteria:

• Communication ability
• Charisma
• Work ethic
• Technical knowledge

Tip: Set a minimum threshold score to help you make more objective decisions.

Prepare yourself (and hiring managers) before interviews

Take time to mentally prime yourself before each interview. Remind yourself of the specific qualities and skills you’re looking for in a candidate. Recruiters can play a valuable role here by helping hiring managers prepare, especially if they tend to get swept up in candidate charisma.

Preparation strategies:

• Review the job requirements and ideal candidate profile
• Visualize past successful hires and what made them effective
• Discuss specific questions and desired answers

By focusing your mind on these criteria, you’re more likely to evaluate candidates holistically rather than being overly swayed by charm.

Wrapping up

While charisma can be an asset in many roles, it shouldn’t be the primary factor in hiring decisions. By implementing these strategies, you can conduct more balanced interviews and make hiring choices that lead to long-term success for both the candidate and your organization.

Remember, the goal is to find candidates who not only interview well but will thrive in the actual day-to-day work environment. With practice and mindfulness, you can become adept at seeing beyond surface-level appeal to identify truly great fits for your team.