I start Screening Applicants

[LakeCleElum]

Know the areas you need to legally stay away from (Do you plan on having children). Ask each the same list of questions.

Have a scoring sheet so you can "rank order' the applicants. Decide on what a "passing answer" will include. If they are smart and keep talking, they get extra credit on that question.

Ask some questions to determine their integrity. that is important in any job.

[Brando]

Thanks all for the beneficial info

Thanks to paul, any applicant with a mustang will get a "We'll call you."

Because we need someone asap we broke the interview down:
• HR did the legal questions
• I did the skills/experience/technical questions
• My manager did the follow-up.

I was able to focus on the applicant's previous project list (typically freelance), experiences with clients, development and project management. Overall I think the interview went well and the person would be great for a temp-to-perm position. Given their passion, however, in the long run they may decide to move to another department or on to another company.

But then again, we're not looking for someone with a passion for dealing with jerk clients, and other opportunities do present themselves all the time (within the company).

[intakexhaust]

Laughing at all this. My brother worked for a few top tier CART and IRL teams and the some of the questions are what religion or do you have to go to church? Do you have a wife and if so, will she be OK with you always gone and umm, well you know?!

[flipper35]

Went through that exact thing a few months ago. The one we hired interviewed well, had good credentials from where he worked in the past and was an army aviator (which I wrongly interpreted as having good situational awareness). What they know they know well but if there is a zombie apocalypse I think they will be safe.

[fintstone]

Be very careful not to ask "illegal" questions...like age, religion, marital status, handicap, if they have children, etc.

[Brando]

Well this is good so far. Looks like we may hire the applicant I sat down with today. Monday I start getting a training schedule going with the others in my department to have them sit-down and follow along in 2-hour blocks. This should be interesting...

[Laneco]

The most interesting question I was ever asked in an interview was, "tell me something about yourself that is not on your job resume or application."

Though the question was quite unexpected, I'm a reasonably bright chick, and quickly realized that it was a chance to tell something of my character that could prove useful in a job. To answer the question, I related a hobby that demonstrates my great mental toughness, organization skills, and determination.

Of all the questions I've ever been asked on a job interview, that was the best one. Both in that it was unexpected, searched for insight, and provided a rare opportunity to for a non-work related anecdote.

My least favorite question? "why should I hire you..." I have always been very tempted to answer that with "if you are not capable of making this decision all by yourself, perhaps I could interview with someone who is..."

angela

[pavulon]

Ask them to talk about something in their life that has been a huge disappointment. It may give you some insight and you should be able to pick up on someone who won't level with you.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by pavulon

Ask them to talk about something in their life that has been a huge disappointment. It may give you some insight and you should be able to pick up on someone who won't level with you.

Most of the major disappointments in my life have turned into the best things that ever happened to me. Not many of them were work-related, but I don't fear them at all anymore, as they always lead to better things.

[pavulon]

smells like BS!!

[pavulon]

along the lines of hiring...when I see images like this, it makes me wonder what these folks could do with some education. Clearly, they have the "do what it takes" dedication many folks lack. Safety...a top 5 consideration!

[fintstone]

Personally I would never ask a question not related to the duties of the position. Only opens one up to lawsuits and does not add to the decision...unless you are hiring a consort.