Interviews with young adults with mental health conditions - Conduct interviews with new members to get to know them and see how they would contribute to a new or existing board.  Explain the purpose of the board and discuss logistical aspects. Interviews can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but especially for young adults with mental health conditions. Keep in mind that this may be their first “real” interview for a professional, compensated position. Interviews can be completed individually or in a group. Depending on where you are recruiting candidates for the YAB you may do in-person or virtual interviews.

For example:

While recruiting for the YAB we offer group interviews. Each interview is about 1 hour, includes 3-5 possible candidates, and takes place over a Zoom call. Ahead of time, the YAB facilitators come up with general interview questions, and slides containing those questions and information regarding the YAB to share with the candidates. Interviews include introductions, an ice breaker, and time for us and them to ask and answer questions. 

How to conduct an interview - Interviews can be conducted in multiple ways such as individually, in a group, in person, or online; and conducted by one individual or multiple. Think through with your team what the best approach would be based on available time for recruitment and interviewing, staff interest and skills, and geographic and COVID logistics. Here are three ways to break down the interviewing process:

1. Before the meeting: Identify your interview team! Your interview team should meet to go through all applicants and make a collaborative decision on who your interview pool will be. Together, develop a standardized set of interview questions.
2. During the meeting: Introduce yourselves, explain the purpose of the board, and review the expectations. Ask your planned interview questions and follow up as needed. Be sure to invite the candidate to ask you any questions they might have. Take down notes to review together later.
3. After the meeting: Review interview notes, discuss candidates, and collectively decide who you would like to extend an offer to. Follow up with all candidates individually thanking them for their time and interest and communicating whether they are being extended an offer to join the YAB at this time. See below for more details on selecting members.

Recruitment Group Interview Questions