Reviewing Applications Having a plan for choosing the best applicant for the job can save time and work in the long term.

Keep the job description in front of you when you review applicants. First, go through the applications/resumes and eliminate any that do not match your “Required Skills” or meet the “Physical Requirements”. If you are not sure, write questions on or highlight the application to remind yourself to ask the candidate. Second, go through the applications to see how they match up to your “Preferred Skills”. Again, you may want to write questions on or highlight the application to remind yourself to ask the candidate. Finally, choose the applicants that you are most interested in to arrange interviews. It is a good idea to select more candidates than you have positions as it is possible that not all of the candidates will work out.

Conducting Interviews
The interview is your chance to get as much information as you can to make the right decision about a candidate.

• Prepare for each interview. Read the candidate’s resume, turn off the ringer on the phone, take care of any personal needs, etc.
• Have a list of questions ready ahead of time.
• Don’t just use yes/no questions. Instead, ask questions that make the candidate think and explain.
• Take notes if you need to.
• Ask questions that are directly related to an individual’s ability to do the job. For example, instead of asking if a candidate has ever had a back injury, ask if she or he is able to lift 30 pounds, if that is a requirement of the position.

Sample Interview Questions

• What strengths would you bring to this job? Weaknesses?
• What challenges do you anticipate with this job?
• What job experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for this job?
• Are you available on short notice if there were an emergency?
• Do you anticipate any difficulty with transportation?

For more help on selecting a personal assistant, check out Home Care Quality Authority's site:
http://www.hcqa.wa.gov/consumers/default.htm

Personal Safety When You’re Interviewing
Remember, job applicants who have posted their information on this site have not been pre-screened. You are responsible for screening applicants, just as you normally do when hiring workers using other tools, such as newspaper ads.

• Be careful about how much information you provide about yourself when you set up an interview.
• Never give personal information to someone you don’t know.
• When you interview, you may want to tell someone you trust when, where and with whom you will be.
• It’s a good idea to verify the applicant’s information before an interview. Check references if you can.
• If you don’t feel comfortable with a candidate, think about questions you can ask the candidate to relieve your concerns.