Library Administrative Services Interviewing Guidelines

When conducting an interview, the interviewer should ask questions that focus on the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of the particular job and concentrate on gathering information that is necessary to judge an applicant's competence or qualifications.  The questions asked should not elicit answers that could be used to disqualify a large percentage of members of a particular group.

Federal and Connecticut laws prohibit interviewers from asking questions that will result in the disproportionate screening of members of a covered group such as age, national origin, or race, handicap/disability, religion, gender/sex and mental health.

Sample Questions Interviewers May NOT Ask

Age
1.  When were you born?
2.  How old are you?
3.  How old are your children?
4.  Do you have the energy/stamina to meet the demands of this job?
5.  Do you view your maturity as one of your strengths?

National Origin or Race
1.  Where were you born?
2.  Where is your family from?
3.  What is the origin of your name?
4.  Is English your first language?
5.  What is your race?
6.  Do you straighten you hair?  Is that a perm?

Religion
1.  Do you belong to any religious organizations?
2.  What are your religious obligations?
3.  What holidays do you observe?

Sex or Gender
1.  What is your maiden name?
2.  Do you have any children?
3.  Do you intend to have children?
4.  What child care arrangements have you made?
5.  Are you married?
6.  Are you gay/lesbian/bisexual/heterosexual
7.  Why aren't you married?
8.  Who do you live with?
9.  Do you have a significant other?
10.  Will you feel comfortable in a conservative environment?

Mental History
1.  Have you ever been treated for any mental condition?
2.  Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist?

Handicap/Disability
If the applicant has an obvious disability, under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Connecticut law, employers may not ask about the existence, nature, or severity of a disability.

But if there is a question concerning the performance of a job-related function, employers may ask non-disability related questions such as:

    • Can you perform the (essential or marginal) functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation?
    • If the applicant requests an accommodation, the employer may ask for documentation of the applicant's disability.
Medical Information
1.  Have you ever been treated for any of the following conditions or diseases? (Followed by a checklist of various conditions and diseases)
2.  Please list any conditions or diseases for which you have been treated in the past ___ years.
3.  Have you ever been treated for any mental condition?
4.  Is there any health-related reason you may not be able to perform the job for which you are applying?
5.  Have you had a major illness in the last five years?
6.  How many days were you absent from work because of illness last year?
7.  Do you have any physical defects which preclude you from performing certain kinds of work?  IF yes, describe such defects and specific work limitations.
8.  Do you have any disabilities or impairments which may affect your performance in the position for which you are applying?
9.  Are you taking any prescribed drugs?
10.  Have you ever been treated for drug addiction or alcoholism?
11.  Have you ever filed for workers' compensation benefits?

As stated earlier, the purpose of an interview is to get to know the applicant better and determine if he/she has the ability and qualifications to perform the job responsibilities successfully.

An example of a general outline for interviewers may look like this:

    • Greeting/Small Talk
    • Introduction
    • Work Experience
    • Education
    • Activities or interests
    • Strengths and weaknesses
    • Description of position
    • Candidate questions
    • Close
The interviewer may ask specific questions about the applicant's education or qualifications for the job, as well as open-ended questions that will allow the applicant to elaborate.

Sample Specific Questions Interviewers MAY Ask About Education or Work History:

1.  What school, college or vocational program did you attend?  Did you graduate?  Tell me about your experiences there?
2.  What degrees do you hold?
3.  Tell me about the worst and best class you've ever taken?
4.  What is your experience with (a particular software application)?
5.  What were some of your specific responsibilities in a previous job?
6.  How many words a minute do you type? (if necessary for the job)
7.  Do you speak, read, or understand (a particular language)? (if necessary for the job)

Sample Open-Ended Questions:

1.  Tell me about yourself.
2.  Tell me about your most challenging and least challenging job.
3.  Tell me about a job you liked the most and least and why.
4.  Tell me about a time when you tried to do something and failed.
5.  Where do you see yourself in five years?
6.  What are you ambitions for the future?
7.  Why did you apply for this job?  Why are you seeking a position with our company?
8.  What things are most important to you in a work situation?
9.  Describe some situations in which you have worked under pressure or met deadlines?
10. What qualifications do you have that you feel would make you successful here?
11.  Why are you leaving your present job?
12.  In your last position, what were the things that you liked the most or least?
13.  Tell me about your most significant accomplishment?
14.  If I spoke to your previous employer, what we he/she say are you greatest strength's and weaknesses?
15.  What motivates you the most?
16.  Describe what you feel would be an ideal work environment?
17.  Why should I hire you?

 When analyzing an applicant's answers, the interviewer should look for the following:

1.  Specific knowledge of a topic, siting examples to support statements.
2.  Candid answers, talking openly about mistakes or weaknesses and what they did to correct it, what they learned, or how they would do it differently.
3.  Focus on why the situation occurred and what they learned, not just what happened.
4.  Admission of some failures and analysis of successes; maybe even admitting when they were due to pure luck.
5.  Strong self awareness of their strengths, weaknesses, and limits.
6. Honesty.
7. Eye Contact.
8.  Manner in which they speak (clear or mumbling).
9.  Movements and mannerisms- be aware of anything unnatural.
 

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