Lets Get To Work - Questions you can or cannot ask in an interview

Let’s Get to Work – Questions you can or cannot ask in an interview

I have had the opportunity to participate in many interviews and have watched as people are selected from several candidates decisions are made on who the lucky one is that gets hired.  Many times the process of elimination is due to the answers applicants give during the interview. 

The most common mistake made during the interview process is not keeping questions related to the job description.   Personal questions such as: ‘Are you married?” “How many children do you have?” “Where do you live?” “What church do you belong to?” “Are you pregnant?” “Do you have a babysitter?” “Who are your parents?” etc. are questions that do not have any relevance to work.

When interviewing multiple candidates, use the same criteria for evaluating each candidate.  After selecting questions that are appropriate to use, give some thought to each answer given as there is not always going to be a “No” or “Yes” answer.  The questions that can be asked will give the interviewer a lot of information about the applicant.  Divide the questions into categories such as:

Category 1:  Pre-Screening Interview Questions

            A.  Discuss Salary-Is the wage we are offering suitable?

            B.  Why are you currently seeking a new position?

            C.  What were the top 3 job duties you had at your last job?

Category 2:  Behavioral Questions

A.  If someone told you that you had made an error, describe how you would react.

B.  Tell me about a situation you would have handled differently.

C.  What would you do if a supervisor asked you to get confidential information for them?

D.  What strengths do you have to make you a successful worker?

Category 3: General Questions

A.    What skills do you have that would make you the best candidate for this position?

B.     If you were offered this position, when would you be able to start?

C.     What are your short term goals?  What are your long term goals?

D.    Why have you applied for this position?

E.     Are you willing to work overtime and on holidays and week-ends?

Basic questions can give you most of the information you need such as:

A.  Are you available to work any shift and day?  (If yes, this means they have day care taken care of and have a ride to work)

B.  The job requires you to lift about 35 lbs. regularly during your shift.  Question: Are you able to lift 35 lbs?  (If yes, this means they are physically able to work)

C.  The job requires you to stand on scaffolding.  Question:  Are you afraid of heights?

D.  The job requires you to work around chemicals.  Question:  Are you allergic to any chemicals?

The question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” gives the interviewer a good idea to see if the applicant is only thinking about themselves or how they would benefit your company.  Answers such as “I want to earn enough money to own my own house, buy an expensive car or take my family on a vacation” are all good answers and shows long term goals.  Answers such as “I want to learn all I can and develop skills to help your company achieve their goals” is more suitable to being a good employee and caring more about the company instead of themselves.

Develop a good list of questions that pertain to the job description and you will have success interviewing and selecting the best candidates available.

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