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SAMPLE INTERVIEW GUIDE Step 1: Break The IceStart the interview with some small talk to put the applicant at ease. Use a friendly, business-like attitude. Thank the applicant for coming, and let him/her know how much time has been allotted for the interview. Ask the applicant a few, basic questions, such as: “How did you hear about this job opening?”“What made you decide to apply for this position?”“Do you know anything about this company?” Then, give the applicant an overview of what the interview will cover, and let him/her know that he/she will have an opportunity to ask any questions at the end of the interview. For example: “Before we start, let me give you an idea of what I’d like to cover today. I’d like to talk to you about your experience and educational background. It’s the best way to determine whether or not we have an opportunity here that is suited to your interests and talents. Please feel free to talk about your schooling, interests, hobbies, or anything else that you think would help me get to know you as a person.” Look for: the applicant’s manner, appearance, self-expression, responsiveness, confidence, etc.Step 2: Work Experience The extent to which you’ll discuss the applicant’s past employment will depend on how long he/she has been in the workforce, among other things. If the applicant is a recent college graduate, or otherwise has a brief work history, cover the basics and move on to Step 3 (Educational Experience).Ask the applicant to briefly describe his/her current position, including duties and responsibilities, likes and dislikes, and of course, why he/she is looking for a new job. Do the same for his/her prior jobs as well. Remember to ask open-ended follow-up questions in order to get as much information as possible. For example, instead of asking the applicant if he/she is a team player, try something like: “Tell me about a time you went out of your way to help a co-worker with a problem.”Look for: such traits as adaptability, productivity, motivation, relevance of work experience, etc. Step 3: Educational Experience This step of the interview will also depend on the applicant’s level of education and how recently he/she graduated high school or college. For a professional with 10 years of work experience, you may only want to discuss his/her education briefly. For a recent grad, you’ll want to dig a little deeper, especially since he/she may have little relevant work experience.Some examples of questions you may want to ask such an applicant include:“Tell me about your early education, then tell me about your more recent schooling. I’d like to know what subjects you liked and disliked, and how you decided upon your course of study.” “Did you participate in any extracurricular activities? How do you think they helped to prepare you for life outside of school?”“Did you work a part-time job or intern during school? What was that like?”Look for: relevance and sufficiency of schooling for the position under consideration, intellectual abilities, level of accomplishments, motivation, leadership qualities, etc. Step 4: Activities And Interests This is your chance to get to know the applicant on a more personal level. Ask about professional organizations to which he/she may belong, and the like. An applicant who has many outside interests tends to be more well-rounded and able to balance his/her work and personal life. On the other hand, a series of interests that are constantly dropped for new ones may show a “flightiness” that could extend into the applicant’s on-the-job performance.Look for: enthusiasm, maturity and judgment, diversity of interests, basic values and goals, etc. Step 5: Strengths And Weaknesses At this stage in the interview, you are looking for the applicant to give you a self-assessment  hopefully one that is honest and accurate. Try questions like:“Considering your experience, education, and interests, what do you see as your major strengths?”Look for: talents, skills, self-confidence, motivation, character, etc. “Everyone has some room for improvement. In what areas do you feel you need improvement, and what have you done to overcome these weaknesses?”Look for: honesty, problem-solving, willingness to improve, etc. Step 6: Discuss Basic Information First determine if you are still interested in the applicant. If not, you can move on to Step 7 (Conclusion). However, if he/she is still in the running, now’s the time to give a brief overview of the company and the position. Cover such areas as: company history, the position’s duties and relationships within the company, benefits, etc. Step 7: Conclusion It’s time to wrap up the interview. Express your appreciation for the applicant’s time, and ask him/her if he/she has any questions for you. The kinds of questions an applicant asks can actually tell you quite a bit about him/her. For example, applicants who ask questions strictly about money and benefits may not be as interested in the job itself. Look for applicants who ask specific questions about the job and the company, the corporate culture, etc.After you’ve answered the applicant’s questions, thank him/her and let him/her know when you expect to be making a decision. Walk the applicant to the door and be sure to give him/her your business card so he/she can contact you with any further questions.