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Prepare fair, structured interview questions
A set of the same questions for every candidate, linked to the job's criteria, with follow-up prompts and notes on what a strong answer includes.
When to use it
Before the first interview for a role
Step by step
Start from your criteria
Use the same criteria as your job ad and scoring sheet, so interviews test the things that matter for the job.
Ask AI for the question set
Paste this prompt into your AI assistant.
Prompt to copyWrite a structured interview plan for a [job title] at a [type of business]. Criteria: [list]. For each criterion: 1 main question asking for a real example ('Tell me about a time...'), 2 follow-up prompts, and 3 bullet points describing what a strong answer includes. Add 1 practical question or short task suited to the role. Avoid any questions about age, family plans, health, religion, nationality or other personal topics that aren't related to the job, and flag any of my criteria that might lead there. Finish with a 2-minute welcome script and a closing script explaining next steps and timescales. Total interview length: [30/45] minutes.Make an interview pack
Paste it into Google Docs with space under each question for notes and a score, and use a fresh copy for each candidate.
Offer adjustments
When you invite candidates, ask whether they need any adjustments, such as extra time, a quiet room or questions in advance.
What you get
Criterion: Working under pressure Q: Tell me about a time several things needed doing at once. What did you do? Follow-ups: How did you decide what came first? What would you do differently? Strong answer: prioritises clearly, keeps others informed, reflects on what they learned.
Tips
- Ask every candidate the same main questions in the same order; it's fairer and makes comparing much easier.
- Write notes on what they said, not your impressions of them.