Field notes / For employers

Interview for the actual work.

Seat Fill Field Notes · September 4, 2026

Agree on the evidence you need before the first interview. Ask each candidate the same core questions, then use follow-ups to understand their experience.

Choose four job-related areas.

1. Relevant work: “Walk me through a recent job similar to this one. What part did you own?”
2. Quality: “How did you know the work met the requirement? What tools or checks did you use?”
3. Problem solving: “Tell me about a problem you caught. What did you do next?”
4. Team handoff: “How do you communicate a delay or unfinished work to the next person?”

Record evidence before a rating.

For each area, write the example the candidate gave and what still needs checking. Use consistent ratings: not yet demonstrated, partially demonstrated, or demonstrated. A confident answer is not a substitute for relevant evidence.

Make the practical fit explicit.

Confirm the stated shift, location, pay expectations and start timing. Explain training, supervision and the next interview step. Keep questions tied to the requirements of the role.

Debrief while the details are fresh.

Have interviewers record notes independently before comparing impressions. Resolve the important unknowns and give the candidate a clear next step.