Application Form Interview Questions

Introduction

Application form questions aid in the pre-screening of job candidates and the creation of more comprehensive candidate profiles. Employ them to:

• Narrow down your application pool based on relevant skills and experience.
• Identify deal-breakers (through knockout questions) in order to qualify candidates who fulfill the requirements of the post.
• Connect with applicants who can provide samples of their work or explain how their experience is relevant to the position.

In general, questions follow the following formats: yes-or-no, open-ended, multiple-choice, and upload (e.g., uploading a work sample.) Avoid asking unlawful interview questions on application forms and during the hiring process.

Examples of Application form questions

Employment terminology questions

• Do you seek full-time, part-time, or neither employment?
• What days and times during the week are you available to work? Or Are you available to work [specify schedule or shifts, such as Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m.]?
• When can you start working with us at the earliest?
• Are you open to relocation? In that case, when are you available?
• This is an isolated location. Do you have remote work resources (such as a computer, Internet connection, and private space)?
• Are you willing to submit to a drug test as a condition of employment?
• As part of this hiring process, are you willing to undertake a background check?

Candidates' skills and qualifications questions

• List all relevant applications you have utilized for this position.
• Are you able to speak fluently (orally and in writing) in X's language?
• Do you possess an active driver's license?
• Mention two or three relevant projects that you have worked on in the past.
• May I see an example of your work? (for example, link to an online portfolio or upload a file)

General questions

• How did you find out about this position?
• Please provide the names and contact information of the three references.
• Mini-tests that evaluate specific abilities

Application form questions can also provide an opportunity to assess qualifications for specific positions.

Guidelines for evaluating candidates' responses to questions on the employment application

• Use them to ask subsequent, more specific inquiries. The questions on the application form are excellent jumping-off points for phone or in-person interviews. For instance, ask candidates to discuss their former projects in depth or to comment on their stated professional objectives.
• Determine which criteria are non-negotiable and which are not. For instance, immediately eliminate an applicant who lacks a valid driver's license if it's a requirement for the position, but put someone on your "maybe" list if their wage expectations are only marginally greater than the compensation package you're offering.
• Focus on what truly matters. For example, just inquire about a candidate's certification if it is required for the position (e.g., for accountants, instructors, or healthcare workers.)
• Warning signs in application responses

Red flags to note

• They lack fundamental prerequisites. While you may and should train new workers through effective onboarding procedures, most professions require certain prerequisite abilities. For instance, if you're looking to hire someone to translate documents from English to Russian, you should eliminate individuals who are not native speakers of both languages.
• Their wage expectations far exceed what you are able to deliver. You may be able to negotiate with candidates whose compensation expectations are marginally higher than your ability to pay. However, if the variation is too great, the candidate should be disqualified.
• They have an inflexible work schedule. Particular sectors may need shift work for certain positions (e.g., retail.) This personnel must be available on weekends and holidays and may be asked to fill in for coworkers as needed. If applicants state that their working days and hours are rigid, they may not be a good fit for these positions.
• They do not answer all inquiries. Candidates who leave fields on your application form blank may not be truly interested in the position. Or they may not have the answers you are seeking (e.g., they lack knowledge in X software.) On the basis of their complete application and resume/cover letter, determine if you will immediately disqualify them or request explanations.

Conclusion

These Application form interview questions combine a summary of the qualities to look for in applicants with a representative sample of appropriate interview questions.

You can prepare your responses in advance and be prepared to discuss your experience with the interviewer by practicing how you will respond to these Application interview questions.