What kind of questions should I avoid asking during an interview?
Avoid asking questions related to protected class info:
- Do you have a spouse/partner?
- Making assurances about job security;
- Statements that employment will continue as long as the employee does a good job;
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (This can adversely impact national origin.)
- Do you have a visual, speech, or hearing disability?
- Do you have any health related issues?
- Are you planning to have a family? When?
- Have you ever filed a workers compensation insurance claim?
- How many days of work did you miss last year due to illness?
- In what off-the-job activities do you participate in?
- Would you have a problem working with/for a (female/male) (younger/older) coworker?
- Older applicants should not be asked about their ability to take instructions from younger supervisors.
- Where did you grow up?
- Do you have children? How old are they?
- What year did you graduate from high school? (This reveals age.)
- Religion-based questions
- How old are you?
At times interviewers may need to ask a candidate additional questions to help clarify a candidate’s response to a question. Panel members are allowed to ask follow-up questions if necessary. For instance:
- Initial answers are vague, ambiguous, evasive, or do not fully address the lead question.
- The candidate’s tone changes drastically or word choice becomes negative.
- The candidate seems to have difficulty forming an answer or takes extensive pauses.
Possible follow-up questions that can be asked:
- Can you give me an example?
- Please clarify what you mean by…
- Please give me more details about…
- Explain your role in detail?
- Tell me in detail what you did, the steps you took?
- Tell me more about the result?
- You explained to us the situation; tell us more about the action you took and the outcome.
- Did you consider other options at the time?
- How did you react to that situation?
- Tell me about the obstacles you faced in getting it done.
- Describe in sequence the steps you took to get to that point……
- Why do you think you reacted as you did?
- Were you satisfied with the outcome of your actions?
- What was going through your mind when you took that action?
- Looking back on the experience, how do you see things now?
Can I ask the candidate about gaps of employment?
Yes; you can ask about gaps in employment. However, ask all candidates same question about gaps in employment, if applicable. *Make sure to read candidates cover letter, resume or application for this information.
Can I ask all of the job candidates to complete a writing sample or critical thinking test/assessment?
Yes. You can also request candidates to complete this before you schedule interviews and base your interview selection off the responses.
How many questions should I ask my candidates during an interview?
Roughly 10-15 questions that address all areas you are looking for. Do not bog your candidate down in questions. Include questions about inclusivity, building relationships, collaboration and the applicants values. Look for skillsets, learning mindset and how they respond to change.