Screening, or first round, interviews can help hiring or transition committees get a good sense of the applicant pool and sharpen the organization’s priorities in selecting a candidate. Screening interviews are intended to surface the strongest candidates by seeking to better understand the qualifications and experience of each interviewee, his/her connection to the mission of the organization, and their ability to engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the organization and its objectives.

This tool, drawn from RoadMap and Strategies for Social Change’s Leadership Transition Toolkit, suggests guidelines to use in conducting those initial interviews.  While this tool is designed with executive director transitions in mind, it may be adapted for a variety of job search processes.