Some things I've tried or have appreciated: Don't have the candidate sit across from the folks doing the interview...have somebody sit next to them and include

Some things I've tried or have appreciated: Don't have the candidate sit across from the folks doing the interview...have somebody sit next to them and include them with open body language, talk slowly and patiently (not rushed). Have cold water available at the table, encourage drinking, don't make them ask for it--this helps calm nerves. Be friendly when asking questions, show a little vulnerability--let the candidate double-check some code of yours (perhaps with a purposeful easy bug or two) to show them you respect their opinion. If possible, do the reviews in a room with natural sunlight or some kind of human-friendly features to help decrease anxiety. Don't put the candidate in the corner away from the door, don't put your team between them and the door, etc. Basically, just think about all the ways you feel uncomfortable in the room if you were in a bad situation, and try to pre-emptively mitigate them.