Trakstar Academy: Pro Tips for Candidate Interviews

Interviewing candidates is one of the most important parts of the hiring process. A great interview helps you evaluate a candidate's skills, determine whether they're a good fit for the role, and create a positive candidate experience.

This guide brings together Trakstar Hire features and interviewing best practices to help you:

• Become a more effective interviewer.
• Gather consistent, high-quality feedback from your team.
• Create a smooth interview experience for candidates.
• Use Trakstar Hire tools to make interviewing more efficient and repeatable.

Enroll in our eLearning courses or scroll down to learn more!

Schedule Interviews Efficiently

Trakstar Hire includes several features that simplify interview scheduling and help create a seamless experience for both interviewers and candidates.

Configure Interview Stages

Create interview stages within your hiring workflow that include default information such as:

• Interviewers
• Location or meeting venue
• Evaluation form

These defaults can be updated whenever you schedule an interview or create an ad hoc interview.

For detailed setup instructions, see the dedicated article on configuring interview stages.

Use Self-Scheduling

Instead of coordinating availability through email, use the Self-Scheduling tool to allow candidates to choose an available interview time.

With self-scheduling:

• Candidates select from available time slots.
• Booked times are automatically removed from availability.
• Calendar integrations keep availability up to date.
• Candidates receive a calendar invitation after confirming their interview.
• Interviewers' calendars are updated automatically when calendar syncing is enabled.

If no time slots remain, candidates are prompted to contact your team for additional availability.

Clicking on a time slot gives them a confirmation button.  

Collect Consistent Interview Feedback

High-quality hiring decisions depend on structured, consistent feedback from everyone involved in the interview process.

Use Evaluation Forms

Evaluation forms provide interviewers with predefined questions that are completed directly within Trakstar Hire.

Benefits include:

• Consistent interview questions across candidates.
• Simple thumbs up/thumbs down scoring.
• Space for notes and additional context.
• File attachments for supporting documentation.
• Feedback is stored directly on the candidate profile.

Pending and completed evaluations are available from the candidate's Feedback tab for users with access to that candidate.

If you need help creating evaluation forms, refer to the dedicated setup documentation.

We've got tons of resources on setting these up - click here to learn more!

Need some more ideas for building out a great evaluation form?  Check out this resource from SHRM!

Conduct Effective Interviews

A thoughtful interview process improves both hiring decisions and the candidate experience.

Prepare Before the Interview

Before meeting with a candidate:

• Review the job responsibilities and required qualifications.
• Meet with the hiring manager if additional role context is needed.
• Prepare interview questions that encourage detailed responses.
• Review the candidate's resume and identify areas to discuss further.
• Anticipate questions the candidate may ask.
• Be ready to discuss your organization's culture, goals, and the position.

Ask for Specific Examples

Encourage candidates to provide concrete examples and measurable accomplishments whenever possible.

Specific follow-up questions can help you better understand their experience and responsibilities.

Create a Positive Candidate Experience

Help candidates feel comfortable by:

• Making them feel welcome.
• Staying engaged throughout the conversation.
• Giving them your full attention.
• Allowing enough time for discussion.
• Encouraging them to ask questions.

Even candidates who are not selected should leave with a positive impression of your organization.

Learn About Career Goals

In addition to role-specific questions, ask about:

• Long-term career goals.
• Professional interests.
• Why the candidate is interested in your organization.
• What they hope to gain from the opportunity.

These conversations provide additional context beyond technical qualifications.

Explain the Next Steps

Before ending the interview, explain:

• What happens next.
• Expected timelines.
• Remaining interview stages.
• When candidates should expect to hear from your team.

Clear expectations help improve the overall candidate experience.

Practice Active Listening

Throughout the interview:

• Listen carefully.
• Stay engaged.
• Observe verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Allow candidates time to fully answer questions.

Active listening helps interviewers gather more meaningful information while making candidates feel heard.

Run Successful Remote Interviews

Virtual interviews require many of the same skills as in-person interviews while placing greater emphasis on communication and engagement.

Evaluate Emotional Intelligence

Technical skills are important, but emotional intelligence (EQ) is equally valuable when evaluating candidates.

Consider asking questions that help assess how candidates:

• Handle workplace conflict.
• Respond to feedback.
• Adapt to changing priorities.
• Collaborate with others.
• Stay motivated.

Make the Most of the Virtual Format

Remote interviews provide an opportunity for focused conversation. Stay present, minimize distractions, and encourage open dialogue so candidates feel comfortable sharing detailed responses.

Continue exploring the related articles throughout the Trakstar Hire Help Center for detailed instructions on interview scheduling, evaluation forms, and other hiring workflows.