Interviews should do more than check boxes; they should help you hire legally, effectively, and in line with your culture. But without structure, interviews often go off track or miss what matters most.


Q: What can I ask in an interview, and what’s off limits?

Abe: If a question touches on personal characteristics—like age, family status, citizenship, medical history, or religion—it’s likely off-limits. Even well-meaning questions like “Where are you from originally?” or “Do you have reliable childcare?” can cross the line. Instead, focus on what the job requires: “Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?” or “This role requires weekend availability—can you meet that schedule?” When in doubt, don’t guess. We can help you audit your interview questions and build a compliant, role-specific guide.


Q: How do I evaluate cultural fit without being biased?

A: Define what “fit” means in your context. Are you looking for collaboration? Ownership? Energy? Align your questions to your values, not your gut. Instead of “Would I want to have lunch with them?” try “How do they respond to feedback?” or “What motivates them?”


Q: Do I need an interview scorecard or rubric?

A: Yes—especially if multiple people are interviewing. A structured evaluation form keeps things fair, focused, and comparable. We can help you create custom scorecards that align with your values and the role.


Q: How do I know if I’m asking the right questions?

A: The best interviews reveal both skills and stories. Mix behavior-based questions (“Tell me about a time…”) with scenario-based ones (“How would you handle…?”). We can provide a bank of legally compliant, role-specific questions you can pull from anytime.


Q: What Tools Do We Need in Place?

A: At minimum:
  • Interview guide or question bank
  • Evaluation sheets or rubric
  • Documented processes
  • Legal do’s and don’ts
Looking to build or refresh your interview toolkit? We’d be happy to help you create custom forms, scoring sheets, and even manager training. Contact Abacus at (417) 823-7171 or info@abacuspro.com.