Interview Checklist

An interviewer's checklist to prepare, conduct, and evaluate candidate interviews fairly.

Published June 25, 2026

Printable PDF HR Hiring Recruiting Interview

Review the Role and Candidate

Reread the job description and key requirements
Identify the core competencies you must assess
Review the candidate's resume and application notes
Flag specific points to probe during the interview
Align with the panel on who covers which areas
Avoid overlapping questions across interviewers.
Decide the scoring scale you will use

Build Structured Questions

Write the same core questions for every candidate
Include behavioral questions tied to real scenarios
Add role-specific or technical questions as needed
Prepare follow-up prompts to probe deeper
Map each question to a competency on your rubric
Review questions for fairness and compliance
Allowed questions vary; follow local laws and consult HR or legal.

Handle Logistics

Confirm the date, time, and time zone with the candidate
Book a quiet room or test the video link in advance
Send the candidate clear directions or joining details
Share the agenda and interview format beforehand
Prepare scorecards, notes, and the job description
Plan buffer time between back-to-back interviews
Rushed transitions hurt the candidate experience.

Conduct the Interview

Greet the candidate warmly and explain the format
Ask your structured questions in a consistent order
Listen more than you talk and probe answers
Take clear, specific notes as you go
Give the candidate time to ask their own questions
Close by explaining the next steps and timeline
Candidates value knowing what happens next.

Evaluate the Candidate

Score answers against the rubric soon after the interview
Use specific examples to justify each rating
Assess against the role, not against other candidates' charm
Note clear strengths, concerns, and open questions
Separate skills evidence from personal impressions
Record a clear recommendation with reasoning
Document why, not just yes or no.

Align and Decide

Submit your scorecard before debriefing with the panel
Compare independent scores before sharing opinions
Discuss differences and revisit the evidence
Check the decision against the role's must-haves
Agree on next steps, additional rounds, or an offer
Provide timely, respectful feedback to candidates
A prompt response protects your employer brand.

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An interview checklist is an interviewer's guide for preparing, conducting, and evaluating a candidate interview. It covers reviewing the role, building structured questions, handling logistics, and scoring fairly so hiring decisions are consistent and based on evidence rather than gut feel.

Written for the employer side, this list helps interviewers stay organized, ask the right questions, and avoid common bias traps that lead to poor hires.

This printable checklist keeps hiring managers and interview panels aligned on what they are assessing and how.

Download the PDF, prepare before each interview, and check off every step from setup to evaluation. The result is fairer interviews, a better candidate experience, and stronger, more defensible hiring choices.

FAQ

How should an interviewer prepare for an interview?

Review the job description and the candidate's resume, decide which competencies to assess, prepare structured questions, and confirm the logistics. Preparation keeps the interview focused and fair.

What is a structured interview?

A structured interview asks every candidate the same core questions tied to the role's requirements and scores answers against a consistent rubric. It reduces bias and makes candidates easier to compare.

How can interviewers reduce bias?

Use the same questions and scoring criteria for all candidates, take notes during the interview, evaluate against the role rather than gut feel, and compare scores before discussing impressions.

What should you avoid asking in an interview?

Avoid questions about personal characteristics unrelated to the job. Permitted questions vary by location, so follow local laws and consult HR or legal to keep your questions compliant and fair.

Can I print this interview checklist?

Yes. Download the printable PDF, prepare before each interview, and check off every step from setup through evaluation to keep your hiring process structured and consistent.