Step 4. Interviewing

  • Telephone screenings or video interviews should be used as the initial interviewing step. A brief telephone screening or video interview is a time-saving strategy that allows you to gauge interest in the roll and identify the most promising candidates.
  • All search committee members should review the Recruitment Protocol and the job description to identify the key elements/duties of the position.
  • Prepare interview questions in advance. Some applicants are very rehearsed. They know how to anticipate or deflect difficult questions. They know the "correct" answer to many questions, mainly because they have been asked the same questions over and over or they have a written script that anticipates questions. There is a way to limit too many "canned" answers by formulating questions that cannot be anticipated by the applicant. HR can help develop these questions.
  • Questions that are asked during the interview should elicit information that will provide factual information about the individual's ability to perform the duties of the position. Be sure to require specific answers to questions, do not settle for generalities. The best questions are thought to be those that get at the candidate's ability to produce the actual work required and a second group of questions that disclose specific instances when the candidate had to react to challenges. Questions such as "how would you..." and "what did you do when this happened?" have been shown to be particularly effective. Group interviews can be helpful in clarifying and interpreting information provided by a candidate.
  • Candidates must not be asked about marital status, personal relationships, children, religious affiliations, national origin, or medical history under any circumstances, even in informal settings. See this full list of Legally Permissible Interview Questions recommended by General Counsel.

Sample Questions

Below are samples of different types of questions for phone and face-to-face interviews, as well as tips on nondiscriminatory interviewing and legal considerations.

Proceed to step 5