Job specific pre-interview questions

Pre-interviewing questions can be an effective tool in identifying the applicants who best meet the needs of a position. Hiring managers can ask job-related questions to attract and screen for qualified applicants. All questions should be job-related and non-discriminatory. By selecting predetermined questions or creating questions for a requisition, managers can narrow the field of qualified applicants. Have pre-interview questions established in the job posting, this will save time and duplication in the actual interview process.

Questions based on job duties should cover the minimum requirements for the position. Hiring managers may ask an array of questions, to cover areas of technical, supervisory performance, organizational/time management, manageability, and personal skills. Managers can ask about both positive and negative work situations and how applicants handle each situation.

There are two types of questions that are programmed in the system. Closed and open ended questions:

Closed ended questions are made up of multiple-choice answers. (Example-Do you have supervisory experience?) Applicants answers - "Extensive," "Moderate," "Minimal," "None."

Open ended questions give the applicants the opportunity to answer in a long or short text format. (Example-Describe your experience working in areas of payroll and finance.)

In accordance with policy, there are certain areas of questions that are prohibited. Questions on age, sex, ethnic origin/race, religion/political beliefs, and disabilities are not to be displayed in the form of supplemental questions. Examples of those types of questions are below:

How old are you?

When did you graduate high school? College?

Are you married? Do you intend to get married? Do you have children?

Do you live by yourself? What’s your sexual orientation?

Do you have a maiden name? Where does you spouse work?

What is your nationality? Where are your parents from?

What language do you speak at home?

What is the origin of your name?

What church are you a member of?

Are you a member of a religious group?

With what political party are you affiliated?

What health problems do you have?

Do you have back problems?

When were you in the hospital last?