Run a structured professional interview

Buyer principle

Ask every candidate the same core questions, then record evidence instead of impressions.

Several professionals sound capable and you need a fair way to compare how they think, communicate, and manage risk.

Use it in the buying process

Start with these decisions

1. Share the same redacted problem brief with each candidate.
2. Ask how they would learn the workflow before recommending a tool.
3. Ask who owns data access, testing, acceptance, support, and rollback.
4. Record answers, follow-up evidence, open questions, and assumptions in one comparison sheet.

Pause point

Do not let an impressive proposal replace accountable buyer judgment

Avoid collecting protected personal information or confidential employer details. A structured interview supports a decision; it does not eliminate reference, legal, security, procurement, or background checks when those are appropriate.