Going to an interview is a daunting task - even the most qualified candidates have been known to sweat at the possibility. HR needs to lead the way in increasing the emphasis on the often under-emphasized goal of selling the candidate. In order to do this, they need to make the interview into more of a Professional Conversation between two equals. If you want to get these best passive candidates, you need to re-think your interview process.
Most interviews are inherently confrontational and occasionally dull.
This style of interviewing makes the candidates nervous, which in turn alters their behavior during the interview. Interviewees may also be current or potential customers. By grilling them and not having a balanced approach, you might tarnish your company's reputation, hurt sales, and cause you to lose some good candidates. Many interviews are designed solely to assess the candidate and not to sell the job. Few hiring managers are trained in how to sell the job and many don't even know that it should comprise a major part of the interview.