Screening Interview
Author:
Alycia Damp, PhD IRHRThis interview is for an initial conversation with your candidates to determine whether they have the right skillset and motivation to do the job. This also includes a guide on how to sell your role to your candidates - what we call the 'employment value proposition.'
Focus area:
Question
1
Value Proposition - Explaining your Role, Team, and Company
What does this question reveal?
Instructions on opening your interviews
Explore tips
- Explain why the role is important to your team and your company's mission
- Be prepared with a compelling answer to: Why you? Why your company?
- Be enthusiastic about what makes your company unique (culture, product, market)
- Candidates often want growth, security, and competitive salaries
Question
2
What are two or three things you are looking for in a new position as [Insert Role]?
What does this question reveal?
Fit and motivation to pursue the occupation
Explore tips
- Highlights different skill sets they hope to utilize
- Wants to make a defined impact in the role
- Identifies learning goals and expresses a desire for career growth/development
- Describes assets they will bring to the role and the company
Question
3
What are a few aspects of your professional experience that make you a great fit for the [Insert Role] position at our company?
What does this question reveal?
Preparedness and fit for role
Explore tips
- Shares skills, projects and expertise that are highly relevant to the role
- Is clear about what motivates them and what they are passionate about
- Is convincing about their proposed value-add as a unique and strong candidate
- Exhibits a clear understanding of the role and the company culture
Question
4
What is your strongest skill set that would help you excel in this position? What are your professional superpowers?
What does this question reveal?
Communicate their unique strengths and what makes them stand out
Explore tips
- Clearly highlights qualities that make them a good fit for the job
- Exhibits enthusiasm around their expertise
- Identifies strengths that connect with their interests and identity
- Emphasizes how they work, not just their achievements
Question
5
Are there specific things you are not interested in doing professionally or that you are filtering out of your job search?
What does this question reveal?
Fit and self-awareness of what they don't want to do
Explore tips
- Exhibits awareness of the context of the role and the organization
- Does not identify things that are problematic to the role
- Has clearly given thought to what they are and are not interested in
- Is self-aware of their own abilities and strengths
Question
6
I'd like to understand how you're thinking about compensation as you're searching for a new position. What are your salary expectations, and is the salary range for this position within your expected range?
What does this question reveal?
Assess alignment in salary expectations
Explore tips
- Clearly communicates a range or number they are comfortable with
- Might consider total compensation (e.g., benefits, bonuses), not just salary
- Might inquire about opportunities for professional development and advancement
Question
7
If you were to join our team as [Insert Role] at our company, what aspect of the job would make you most excited to get out of bed in the morning?
What does this question reveal?
Motivation and passion for the role and organization
Explore tips
- References a desire to utilize a variety of different skill sets and talents
- Wants to make a defined impact on others and the organization
- Would add value to the company through their skills and expertise
- Desires to grow, learn and develop to contribute effectively in their role see less
