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Don't ask questions such as whether they are married, have children or belong to certain religious groups. Ask the same basic questions of each candidate so you have a consistent basis for comparison. Keep notes because you will forget the details.

Supplementary information

• Test knowledge or skills where possible. For example, if they say they know all about PCs, you need to know if they used them in their day-to-day job or if they've just gone on a two-day course.

• Ask how many days off sick they have had in the past year. If it seems high then it is probably worth making any job offer conditional on a medical report - certainly for a senior post.

• Check the reasons behind any long gaps in their work record. Ask for someone who can verify their story.

• Before you offer any position, obtain and follow up references.