Interviewing is a critical part of the employment process. To find the right person for your organization often means sifting through several equally qualified candidates with a variety of backgrounds. How do know which one is right? Asking the right questions during the interview is key to making the right choice.

Below are some tips to consider when establishing your interview process. Also included are sample questions for your interview as well as some questions to avoid.

The Interview Process

The Department of Personnel recommends an interview process that includes:

• Choosing a diverse interview panel
• Asking behavioral-based interview questions
• Establishing a baseline set of criteria
• Conducting thorough background and/or reference checks

Examples of Behavioral-based Interview Questions

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
• Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.

Questions Not to Ask

It is very important to remember that illegal interview questions are those that discriminate against on the basis of:

• Age
• Color
• Disability
• Gender
• National origin
• Race Religion or Creed

Marital Status

• Are you married?
• Is this your maiden or married name?

Parental Status

• Do you plan to have children?
• Are you pregnant?

Age*

• How old are you?
• What year were you born?
• When did you graduate from high school?

*Before hiring, asking if you are over the legal minimum age for the hours or working conditions is in compliance with State and Federal labor laws.

National Origin*

• Where were you born?
• What's your heritage?

*Verifying legal U.S. residence or work visa status is appropriate.

Race or Skin Color

• What race are you?
• Are you a member of a minority group?

Religion or Creed

• What religion are you?
• Which religious holidays will you be taking off from work?

Criminal Record*

• Have you ever been arrested?
• Have you ever spent a night in jail?

*Questions about convictions by civil or military courts are permitted if accompanied by a disclaimer that answers will not necessarily cause loss of job opportunity. Specific convictions, if related to fitness to perform the job are also permitted. Generally, employers can ask only about convictions and not arrests, except for law-enforcement and security-clearance agencies.

Disability

• Do you have any disabilities?
• How does your condition affect your abilities?