Be kind

If you take one thing away from this chapter about hiring, I hope it's this: be kind.

If you've interviewed before, you know how much energy and anxiety is driven by the interviewing process, from pre-interview nerves to anxiously awaiting to hear whether you're moving forward. As an interviewer, you benefit from an incredible amount of asymmetrical power. You are, after all, driving a decision that can permanently alter someone's career and future.

So, when you're interviewing, make it your priority to review a candidate's materials. Read your recruiter's notes (if you have one). Take the time to write questions that will give you the most information about whether they'll succeed in their role. Be on time and prepared to be in the interview and nowhere else. Lastly, express gratitude for their energy and consideration.