So, your candidate is sitting in their interview, sweating bullets as the recruiter throws curveball questions their way. How different would they feel if they knew the questions beforehand? And would that lead to a fairer assessment of their skills and experience?

It's fair to say that providing candidates with interview questions in advance is a double-edged sword. Let’s dig into the pros and cons of this approach and whether it truly levels the playing field.

The pros and cons of giving interview questions in advance

Pros:

1. Reduces interview anxiety

Truth: Interview anxiety can ruin performance. When you provide questions beforehand, candidates have time to prepare answers thoughtfully.

Reality: Candidates can confidently demonstrate their skills rather than struggling to articulate them on the spot.

2. Encourages inclusivity

Truth: Not everyone has the same comfort level with high-stress interview situations.

Reality: For neurodivergent candidates or those with social anxiety, knowing the questions ahead of time creates a more inclusive and accommodating environment.

3. Promotes deeper responses

Truth: Some interview questions require thoughtful reflection.

Reality: Sharing questions in advance allows candidates to provide richer, more detailed answers, giving recruiters deeper insights into their thought processes and problem-solving skills.

4. Levels the playing field

Truth: Experienced candidates often excel in interviews due to familiarity with common questions.

Reality: Less-experienced candidates can showcase their true potential by preparing responses that reflect their skills.

5. Reduces unconscious bias

Truth: Interviewers can unconsciously favor quick thinkers or those who naturally handle pressure well.

Reality: By removing the “speed factor,” recruiters can focus more on the content of candidates’ answers rather than their composure.

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