For interviewers, adhering to a list of dos and don'ts ensures a fair and productive hiring process. This includes asking consistent, legal questions, providing a welcoming atmosphere, and clearly communicating to candidates.
✅ Conduct behavioral interviews.
✅ Ask the same questions of every candidate.
✅ Get over your own biases on minor details about a candidate.
✅ “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?”
✅ “What is your current address and phone number?”
✅ “Are you able to perform the specific duties of this position?”
✅ “Are you a member of any professional or trade groups that are relevant to our industry?”
✅ “What are your long-term career goals?”
✅ “Are you available to work overtime on occasion? Can you travel?”
✅ “Are you available to work within our required schedule?”
✅ “Are you over the age of 18?”
✅ “Is additional information, such as a different name or nickname necessary in order to check job references?”
❎ Show up unprepared.
❎ Tip your hand by talking about the job/company before asking questions.
❎ Evaluate before assessing notes and comparing with other candidates.
❎ “Are you a U.S. citizen? Where were your parents born?”
❎ “How long have you lived here?”
❎ “Do you have any disabilities? Have you had any recent or past illnesses and operations?”
❎ “Do you belong to any clubs or social organizations?”
❎ “Have you ever been arrested?”
❎ “How much longer do you plan to work before you retire?”
❎ “Do you have children? Can you get a babysitter on short notice for overtime or travel?”
❎ “What religion do you practice? What religious holidays do you observe?”
❎ “How old are you? When did you graduate from high school?”
❎ “Is this your maiden name? Do you prefer to be called “Ms.,” “Miss,” or “Mrs.?”
❎ “Have you ever been convicted of [something that is substantially related to the job]?”