Is It Okay to Inform HR About Mismatched Interview Questions?
Is It Okay to Inform HR About Mismatched Interview Questions?
Introduction
During your job interview process, you might encounter a situation where the interviewer asks questions that do not align with the role as defined in the job description. For example, if the job description clearly specifies a Product Owner role, but the interviewer asks questions that pertain to Scrum Master and Business Analyst (BA) responsibilities. This can be confusing and might leave you questioning whether you should share your observations with the Human Resources (HR) department. This article explores the pros and cons of informing HR about such scenarios and how it can benefit you in the long run.Can You Share Your Experiences with HR?
Yes, it is entirely acceptable to inform HR about any discrepancies you observe during the interview process. Here’s why:- Clarification on Role Requirements: HR typically has comprehensive knowledge of the available roles within the organization and can provide additional information that wasn’t covered during the interview. This might help you understand the exact requirements and your fit within the company better.
- Seeking an Alternative Interview: HR can arrange for an alternative interview with someone who might have a better understanding of the actual responsibilities or even a different role that might be a better fit for your skills and experience.
- Improving Future Interview Processes: Feedback from candidates is crucial for improving the overall recruitment process. By providing constructive input, HR can ensure that future interviews align more closely with the job descriptions, leading to a smoother and more accurate assessment of candidates.
What Should You Do During the Interview?
If you find yourself in a situation where the interview questions do not match the job description, here are some recommendations on how to handle it:- Stay Professional: It’s important to maintain a professional demeanor throughout the interview. Avoid any negative comments or assumptions about the interviewer.
- Clarify and Redirect: Gently ask for clarification if you are unsure about the question. You might say, “Could you please clarify how this question relates to the Product Owner role?” This can help redirect the conversation to more relevant topics.
- Offer Insight: Use the opportunity to provide input or insights related to the role based on your experience. For example, if the interviewer asks a question related to Scrum Master responsibilities, you can explain how your experience as a Product Owner is relevant in addressing such issues.
The Role of HR in Ensuring Role Fit
Human Resources plays a crucial role in ensuring that the roles documented in job descriptions match actual job responsibilities. Here’s why informing HR about such discrepancies is beneficial:- Identification of Skill Mismatches: HR is in a unique position to identify skill mismatches between candidates and the roles they are applying for. By reporting such discrepancies, you help HR make more informed decisions.
- Streamlining the Recruitment Process: When HR is aware of issues like mismatched interview questions, they can take proactive steps to streamline the recruitment process. This includes reevaluating interview questions, clarifying job descriptions, and ensuring that the right candidates are selected for the right roles.
- Improving Candidate Experience: In an era where candidate experience is increasingly important, HR can use your feedback to improve the overall recruitment process, making it a more positive and engaging experience for all candidates.