Should job interview questions be revealed in advance?
Throughout the history of industries, the hiring process has evolved alongside technological advancements, particularly with the rise of digitalisation and AI. An essential aspect of this process is the interview, where companies vary in their approach, from casual conversations to unique and confidential questioning.
However, most recently John Lewis Partnership, a department store firm in the United Kingdom, embraced transparency by making its entire recruitment process, including interview questions, accessible on its website for job seekers.
This initiative aims to provide candidates with the best opportunity for success by giving them detailed insights into what to expect during the application process. "We want job seekers to have the best opportunity to be successful," said John Lewis Partnership.
"Here you can learn about the Partnership's recruitment process, get useful hints and tips for the journey, and find answers to frequently asked questions. You can even practice the kinds of tests you might come across,” he added.
The comprehensive information covers the recruitment process for various positions within the company, ranging from sales, stock, and supermarket assistant roles to head and directorial positions.
This transparency is intended to demystify the hiring process and help applicants prepare effectively, ultimately improving their chances of securing a position with the company.
In addition to outlining the recruitment process, John Lewis Partnership also discloses the interview questions applicants can expect during the hiring process. For leadership roles, the company focuses on questions related to building collaboration, communication, and promoting inclusivity, among other key competencies.
The company advises, "You don't need to plan responses to all the questions. Instead, take the time to review your past experiences and identify a variety of examples that could fit different questions and showcase your skills, experiences, and potential."
John Lewis Partnership also provides various recommendations for applicants, such as the importance of answering questions clearly and confidently during the recruitment process. This detailed guidance aims to help candidates prepare effectively and improve their chances of success.
Lorna Bullett, Talent Acquisition Lead at John Lewis Partnership, told CNBC that their goal is to give candidates the chance to "confidently demonstrate what they can do." Bullett acknowledged that interviews can be daunting and highlighted that nerves can significantly impact performance, especially for neurodiverse individuals.
She explained that by being transparent about interview questions, the company hopes to attract a diverse set of jobseekers.
"A transparent interview approach could be particularly beneficial for Gen Z candidates and young professionals applying for their first job, who might be lacking confidence when it comes to the interview process," Bullett said. This strategy aims to ensure that all candidates, regardless of their background, can approach the interview process with greater confidence and clarity.