From Perkins Law, by Eric C. Perkins, Esq. on conducting a job interview:Â
The job interview should follow the same basic guidelines as used in preparing a job description and application.
- Systematic Process
From a practical perspective, you should consider devising a systematic interview process to maximize your time and increase your chances of hiring the right person for the job. Follow the process and list of questions in a consistent manner for each interview. - Questions to Avoid
Avoid asking potentially discriminatory questions, e.g., questions likely to elicit information about an applicant’s disabilities, ethnic origin, marital status, age, or sexual orientation.
- Questions to Ask
Ask open-ended questions that force the interviewee to provide narrative responses. Listen for red flags or inconsistent statements. Insist on complete responses to your questions. - Following the Interview
Be sure to follow up with any references provided by the applicant and consider obtaining third-party background checks, but be careful that your use of background checks in the hiring process does not violate prohibitions against discrimination in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (e.g., using criminal history information for applicants in different ways for different groups of applicants according to race or national origin).
NOTE: If you are especially busy, you can outsource many of these important tasks (e.g., job applicant resume review, interviews, and reference checking).
Perkins Law is based in Henrico County and proudly serves the Virginia small business and nonprofit communities. For more information visit them online at ericperkinslaw.com.