In interview situations, is it advisable to take too many notes?

In interview situations, it is generally advisable not to take too many notes as this can create a barrier between the interviewer and the interviewee. When a significant amount of time is spent on writing notes, it can disrupt the flow of conversation and may lead to the interviewee feeling as though they are being closely monitored or scrutinized. This discomfort can impact the openness and honesty of their responses.

Additionally, excessive note-taking may also cause the interviewer to miss important non-verbal cues or emotional responses from the interviewee that could provide valuable insights into their truthfulness or feelings about the situation being discussed. Therefore, a balanced approach to note-taking is preferred, where key points are noted without hindering the interaction. This encourages a more natural dialogue and can lead to more effective information gathering during the interview process.