Interviewing Tools: Job Analysis

Worksheet & Resources (Preparation tools)

If you have an updated position description or vacancy announcement, you may skip this step. If you do not have an updated position description or vacancy announcement, a job analysis worksheet is a useful tool to assist in preparing for your interview.

To get the “right” person in the job you must first know the job. It is essential for you to review the job details; keeping in mind this review is of the position – not the person in the position. Once you identify and document the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job you will be able to accurately represent the job to potential candidates and assess candidates based on how they match to the job requirements.

  • Identify the job tasks and responsibilities.
  • Identify the skills required and desired to successfully perform the job tasks and responsibilities.

Interviews tend to be better for assessing “soft” skills such as teamwork, communication, interpersonal skills, conflict management, and influencing/negotiating etc. If the job requires frequent interaction with another agency or the position requires the ability to work independently this should also be documented in the position description or vacancy announcement.

Job Posting & Application Reviews

Avoid using language that suggests or states preference for a particular gender, race or age, or health condition:

  • “Looking for an energetic and young male/female”
  • “Looking for a recent graduate”
  • “Seeking able-bodied individuals”

How should I word travel requirements for job?

Recommend including approximate amount of travel in job posting. {60% overnight travel; weekly over nights; overnight travel required 5 nights a month}

How long should vacancies be posted for?

You can use “Open until filled” verbiage and remove the job posting once you have selected your candidate. Or if you would like a definite timeframe with a closing date, it is recommended to use 10-14 days.

How should I word salary ranges?

Avoid listing the entire salary range given for the position (i.e. $48,699 to $102,558). Get with your budget/fiscal team and narrow the range to what is budgeted (i.e. $50,000-$70,000) OR list a specific salary instead.

How long should the hiring process take?

State of Missouri’s goal is to complete the hiring process in 45 days from when the job is posted to a conditional offer made to the candidate. *Submit your Request to Fill to your HR as soon as your current team member submits their resignation.

When should I review applications?

Review your candidate pool every day to get an idea of who you would like to interview. Don’t wait to review applications until after the job closes!

When should I schedule interviews?

You can schedule interviews as soon as you receive applications or get with your interview team and block certain days or a week. *Try and schedule your interviews closely together, such as the same day or same week.

Resources

Resources
FAQs