Interviewing candidates who tend to be evasive can be particularly challenging. These individuals might answer questions with other questions, delay their responses, or frequently change the subject. Here's how to manage them effectively.

Recognizing an Evasive Candidate - An evasive candidate typically exhibits the following behaviors:

1. Answers questions with other questions.
2. Gains time by saying, "I have to think about this aspect..."
3. Interrupts with, "This reminds me of..." and deviates from the subject.
4. Talks extensively about other people, colleagues, and projects.
5. Makes excuses like, "I don't have a good internet connection," or "I can't hear you anymore" (in online interviews).

How to Behave when interviewing them - some strategies:

1. Use Questions Based on Competencies, As Specific As Possible: Asking specific, competency-based questions can help you get more direct answers. For instance, instead of asking, "Can you tell me about your project management experience?" you could say, "Please describe a project where you led a team of five or more people."
2. Request Answers That Can Be Verified: Encourage the candidate to provide examples and details that can be verified. This might include specific metrics, project outcomes, or names of tools and methodologies used.
3. Ask the Questions Again: If the candidate’s initial response is vague or evasive, don’t hesitate to ask the question again. Rephrase it if necessary to make your inquiry clearer and harder to sidestep.
4. Use Silence: Silence can be a powerful tool in interviews. If a candidate is being evasive, a moment of silence after their response can prompt them to fill the gap with more relevant information.
5. Rephrase What They Said and Emphasize What You Are Interested in Discovering: Reiterate their responses and steer the conversation back to what you need to know. For example, "I understand that some of your colleagues worked on that project, but I am interested in a situation where you were directly involved."

Actions to Consider - steps to implement during the interview process:

1. Prepare a List of Specific Questions: Have a set of well-prepared, specific, and open-ended questions that are hard to dodge.
2. Clarify the Importance of Direct Answers: At the beginning of the interview, explain that you value direct and specific answers to better understand their fit for the role.
3. Follow Up on Evasive Answers: If a candidate provides an evasive answer, follow up immediately to seek the clarification you need.
4. Stay Focused: Keep bringing the conversation back to the point if the candidate tries to deviate.

Interviewing evasive candidates requires persistence and a strategic approach. By using specific, competency-based questions, requesting verifiable answers, and employing silence, you can encourage the candidate to provide the information you need. Remember to stay focused, reiterate your questions when necessary, and guide the conversation back to the relevant topics.

Happy interviewing!

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