Interviews

1.Prework - Before the Interviews

As you prepare to interview candidates, take the time to explore recruitment through an empathy lens.  Please complete the video and readings below. The total time to complete is approximately 15 minutes.

*Cognitive Empathy

* Cognitive empathy is comprehending or understanding someone else's point of view or how they experience the world. 

Watch this 1:30 min YouTube video with Daniel Goleman, the psychologist and author of the book. Emotional Intelligence 

*Mitigating Implicit Bias Through Understanding

 Cognitive empathy can be used  to mitigate bias. 

Please read: Mitigating Implicit Bias Through Understanding By Zack Janiel (linked below)

2. Meeting Discussion - Tips for the Committee Chair 

*Perspective -Taking

* Cognitive empathy is practiced using a technique called “perspective-taking”.

Adapted from Ruedinger et al 1:

Perspective taking is a skill you learn by putting yourself in someone else's shoes. It's not just about finding similarities between your life experiences and theirs, but trying to imagine what their life is actually like. Studies have shown that perspective taking can reduce prejudice and stereotypes, make interactions with others more satisfying, and strengthen social bonds.2

During interviews, try to put yourself in the candidate's position. Use perspective taking to consider how their past experiences, personality, and knowledge might affect their application and interview. Also, be aware of any power dynamics they may experience during the interview. Imagine the applicant’s point of view during the interview process. The purpose of this exercise is to develop empathy that actively opposes implicit bias.