Everyone is looking for ways to do more with less. You probably have a lot of hats in your HR department. While hiring is one of the most important, there’s no doubt you wish you could optimize your time a bit better.

 Imagine if you could only do interviews (phone or otherwise) with folks who were pre-qualified? Does it seem like a dream?

It doesn’t have to be. Using pre-interview questionnaires can streamline your hiring process and ensure that those who get face-to-face time are the ones who are most qualified.

Here’s what you need to know about using these questionnaires!

Your Pre-Interview Questionnaire Can Be the First Contact

In today’s job market, you get flooded with resumes as soon as you post a position. Many of these folks aren’t qualified or haven’t put much effort into their application. You can scan the resumes and select the ones that deserve more attention.

Let’s say 20 applicants look good, but you select 10 in particular that you plan to consider. Normally this would mean a first interview, but instead, you can make your first connection a pre-interview questionnaire.

This means that in less than 30 seconds you can reach out, and there’s no more work on your end until you get their response. It saves you a considerable amount of time.

Questionnaires Are Fully Customizable

Are you concerned that a pre-interview form won’t cover the things that mean the most to your company? There’s no need to be concerned. When you work with Hiringcue, you can choose from our library of 300 options. Or, you can create your own with custom questions.

No matter what you want to ask upfront, you can cover it in a questionnaire. Consider asking about specific skills, experience, or other qualifications. You can also probe more into their background and ask about their reason for leaving their last position.

In the end, you’ll have a much better picture of each applicant and can decide who is best qualified for an interview.

You Can Connect with More Applicants

If you ever wonder whether you’re missing out on a strong applicant because your interview time is limited, a pre-interview questionnaire can help. Instead of only being able to connect with 10 applicants in the example above, you can send the survey to all 20 that caught your eye.

Once the questionnaires are returned, you can then make a better-informed decision about who to spend time with during interviews. You may find a diamond in the rough that you didn’t initially recognize!

What Can You Find Out on a Questionnaire?

You might wonder what you could find out on a questionnaire that wouldn’t be part of the application. Keep in mind that not everyone’s cover letter or resume will answer all the questions you have.

For instance, you can ask about their best and worst experiences working on a team to evaluate their value as a team player. Ask what their key motivators are, salary needs, and the earliest date they can start.

You can also ask many of the screener questions that start an interview. Consider including, “What attracted you to this position? Why do you want to work for (Company)?” along with “Please describe your relevant experience and how it will allow you to contribute to the company.”

Ask which job duties they would particularly enjoy and which they would find challenging. Ask about their ideal work environment.

All of these questions will allow you to select to interview only those who are the best fit for your position and culture.

Questionnaires Improve Your Offer Acceptance Rate

As everyone knows, an interview allows you to evaluate a candidate while the candidate also evaluates you. When you choose a top applicant to make an offer to, you want them to accept. After all, you’ve put a lot of time and effort into the selection process.

Unfortunately, sometimes something about your manager’s style, company culture, or office has turned them off. They decline, and you have to reach out to a second choice.

What if you already knew they’d be an excellent fit and would love your company before you did the first interview? It would be a dream come true – and it’s something pre-interview questionnaires can accomplish.

Save Time with Hiringcue’s Automated Reference Checks

Hiringcue.com is an automated solution to streamline the reference checking & pre-interview process. Our solution aims to bring about an automated experience to the tedious, time-consuming task of checking references & pre-screening applicants.

As you can see, pre-interview questionnaires are a great resource for your company. If you’re ready to get started, sign up today for a free trial, of course no credit card required.

Gary Kirksey – CEO

Hiringcue.com

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