Should Candidates Be Given Interview Questions in Advance? Pros and Cons

The Pros:

1. Reduces interview anxiety
2. Encourages inclusivity
3. Promotes deeper responses
4. Levels the playing field
5. Reduces unconscious bias

The Cons:

1. Risks of over-preparation
2. Unfair advantage for some
3. Reduces the surprise factor
4. Encourages memorization over problem-solving
5. Dilutes the selection criteria

Finding the Middle Ground

1. Share the interview structure
2. Provide themes, not questions
3. Use pre-interview assignments
4. Blend pre-prepared and surprise questions

A Balanced Approach

1. Customize based on role
2. Incorporate practical assessments
3. Tailor questions to experience levels
4. Focus on potential, not perfection

Final Thoughts: Experiment with Different Approaches and Solicit Candidate Feedback

If you want to create a more inclusive interview process, experiment with pre-interview questions for specific roles. Use feedback from candidates and hiring managers to refine your approach. Candidates will appreciate your thoughtful efforts to reduce interview stress and make the process more transparent.

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