{"id":3000078877,"date":"2025-05-27T10:45:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T14:45:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/?p=3000078877"},"modified":"2026-02-13T09:01:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T14:01:18","slug":"how-to-set-up-an-interview-room","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/workspace-solutions\/how-to-set-up-an-interview-room","title":{"rendered":"How to set up an interview room"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019d be lying to ourselves if we said interviews are easy\u2014they\u2019re not<\/a>, for either party involved. While the interviewer tries to gather all the necessary information and stay cohesive, the interviewee is doing their best to impress while staying composed. Neither is likely to consider the environment very much. However, a good setup<\/a> for the interview matters: it can help occupants feel more at ease, be efficient, and enjoy a more relaxed conversation. So, next time you prepare an interview room, keep in mind the following tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing in-person interviews<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Good lighting makes perfect<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Photographers know it best: lighting<\/a> can make or break a shot, and our eyes work in much the same way as camera lenses. When you pick the job interview room, make sure it\u2019s well-lit. While natural light is ideal, artificial lights work, too, provided that they\u2019re not operation-table bright and that they feel comfortable to the eye. If you can, choose warm tones over cool tones\u2014they help create a more welcoming and approachable atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. The right seating arrangement<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Seating arranging is an art<\/a>, especially when it comes to formal contexts like a job interview. If you\u2019re discussing with multiple people at once, a big table is a must. But for one-on-one interviews, consider using a smaller setup to avoid creating too much distance between participants. If it\u2019s a table you\u2019re going with, a round shape would make the hierarchy between the participants less jarring. If not, a simple desk with two opposing chairs should do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Privacy is key<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Make sure the room where you\u2019re conducting the interview is quiet and feels private<\/a>. You cannot change the windows, should they be floor-to-ceiling, but you may be able to pick a less crowded part of the office, draw some of the blinds, and speak at a volume that would ensure people outside the room won\u2019t hear. Keep that in mind, too, if you have to listen to a presentation or play any other similar media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Coworking<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Check the temperature<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          When you spend all day in the office, it\u2019s easy to forget how it feels to walk in for the first time. Temperature is one of the first things you feel upon entering a space, and being comfortable in it is of utmost importance. An interview is stressful as it is\u2014imagine the room being too hot or too cold. Check the temperature ahead of time, or ask the person if they\u2019re comfortable once they sit down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. The power of d\u00e9cor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Traditional offices aren\u2019t exactly known for their impressive interior designs\u2014at least not those outside WeWork\u2019s inventory<\/a>. Jokes aside, a nicely decorated interview set can go a long way to make someone feel welcome and at ease. If the room is plain, consider a few ways to make it feel a tad more comfortable, such as bringing in a small plant<\/a> for the table or a bigger one in the corner, if the space allows it. While not exactly d\u00e9cor pieces, coffee mugs or teacups could make the desk or table seem more lived in and welcoming and may even serve as a casual icebreaker. Importantly, make sure there is space for the person you\u2019re interviewing to hang or leave their coat.<\/p>\n\n\n