With the demand for technology as hot as it is, chances are you will be looking to add additional IT staff at some point in the near future. Perhaps you have already begun your hunt, you’ve informed employees of current openings, you’ve posted jobs on your company’s website and local job boards, and maybe you’ve even submitted a search request to your JDA recruiter. So now what? In today’s corporate environment, it is likely that your first interview with each candidate will be what is most often referred to as a biographical interview.
The Purpose of a Biographical Interview
In contrast to the behavioral interview which probes into a candidate’s achievements, the biographical interview serves to explore a candidate’s chronological history, confirm specifics, and identify patterns. A biographical interview typically consists of your reading through a candidate’s resume and/or application form and asking questions about the different areas of their career history including educational background, previous work experience, professional memberships, training courses taken, and technical skills used.
With today’s technology, you have the ability to verify everything from a candidate’s work and educational history to their criminal background, and it is important that you take advantage of that opportunity. In a recent JDA research project, it was revealed that 3 percent of the candidates we interviewed misrepresented their educational history while 2 percent lied about their criminal background, out of the 7 percent that actually had a criminal history. In comparison to the national average, these numbers are surprisingly low. According to the Society for Human Resource Mangers, a staggering 53 percent of people lie on their resume in some way, shape or form.(1) Furthermore, according to a recent study conducted by Jude Werra, president of an executive search firm, 23 percent of resumes from the study contained falsified educational history.(2) Thus proving that while it may seem rude or intrusive to question a candidate’s honesty, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Preparing for a Biographical Interview
Prior to a biographical interview, you should prepare a list of questions which cover specifics about a candidate’s educational experiences and certifications, career progression, personal interests, and motivations. It is important that you not be afraid to ask the difficult questions about unfinished educational programs, possible employment issues, and criminal history. You do not want to automatically assume that someone is a bad choice for the job just because of one mishap on their resume or in their past. You should at least give each candidate the chance to provide reasonable explanations.
Biographical Interview Questions
Below is a list of time-tested questions which we highly recommend you consider when preparing to conduct a biographical interview. Also included are the reasons or ways in which each of these questions will help you make the best decision possible in choosing your next top employee.
EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS
About the Author
James Del Monte, CERS, CPC
From modest beginnings in 1981, James Del Monte founded JDA Professional Services, Inc. which today is one of Houston’s leading IT staffing firms according to the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants (TAPC). Over his career, James has helped hundreds of companies build great IT departments by finding key individuals and providing excellent strategies for employee retention. In addition, he has helped thousands of professionals find great IT careers through direct placements and by providing valued advice and guidance. In November 2007, James joined an elite group of professionals becoming a Certified Employee Retention Specialists (CERS).
James is a board member of both the TAPC and the National Association of Computer Consulting Businesses (NACCB). He is a former president of the Houston chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) and a founding member of the Open Door Education Foundation which provides scholarships to IT students. In 2006, he was awarded the TAPC community service award for his commitment to the community and charitable contributions.
As part of his commitment to the advancement of IT training in Houston, James is a regular speaker at various colleges/universities, trade groups, and job ministries, and he is often quoted as a subject matter expert for the IT staffing industry. Additionally, James serves on the advisory board for technology departments at the University of Houston Downtown, Westwood College, and ITT Technical Institute.