The Interview Blunder: Questions to Avoid and What to Ask Instead

Interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process, but many employers neglect to adequately train their hiring managers on effective interviewing techniques. This oversight can lead to missed opportunities and potentially discriminatory practices.

"Interviewing is a skill, and like any skill, it requires training and practice," says Jane Doe, a seasoned HR consultant. "Unfortunately, many employers assume that anyone can conduct an interview, which is simply not true."

One of the most common mistakes hiring managers make is asking inappropriate or illegal questions. These can include inquiries about an applicant's age, race, religion, marital status, or other protected characteristics. Not only are these questions illegal, but they can also create a hostile environment and damage the company's reputation.

So, what should you ask instead? Focus on questions that are relevant to the job and the candidate's qualifications. Here are some examples:

• Behavioral Questions: These questions ask candidates to describe how they have handled specific situations in the past. For example, "Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge at work."
• Situational Questions: These questions present hypothetical scenarios and ask candidates how they would respond. For example, "How would you handle a situation where a customer was unhappy with your service?"
• Skill-Based Questions: These questions assess a candidate's specific skills and knowledge. For example, "Describe your experience with a particular software program."
• Open-Ended Questions: These questions encourage candidates to elaborate on their answers. For example, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

By asking thoughtful and relevant questions, you can gain valuable insights into a candidate's experience, skills, and personality. This will help you make informed hiring decisions and build a strong, diverse team.

In addition to avoiding inappropriate questions, there are other things hiring managers should keep in mind during interviews. Here are a few tips:

• Be prepared: Review the candidate's resume and cover letter beforehand.
• Be professional: Dress appropriately and maintain a respectful demeanor.
• Listen actively: Pay attention to what the candidate is saying and ask follow-up questions.
• Take notes: Jot down key points during the interview to help you remember later.
• Provide feedback: Let the candidate know the next steps in the hiring process.

By following these tips, you can conduct effective interviews that will help you identify and hire the best candidates for your organization.

The Bottom Line

Investing in interviewer training is essential for any company that wants to attract and retain top talent. By equipping hiring managers with the skills they need to conduct fair and effective interviews, employers can improve their hiring outcomes and build a more inclusive workplace.

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