INTERVIEW RUBRIC — [Role] (to fill in)
How to use: ask the sample question (and your follow-ups), write down what the candidate actually said, then pick the anchor that best matches the evidence. Score on your own before discussing with other interviewers. Use the same rubric for every candidate for this role.
COMPETENCY 1: Problem solving ──────────────────────────────────────── What the role needs: Breaks down unfamiliar problems, uses the data available, weighs options and explains the choice made.
Sample question: "Tell me about a recent problem at work where the answer wasn't obvious. How did you work out what to do?"
RATING ANCHORS 5 — Strong: Gives several specific examples of complex or ambiguous problems; anticipates risks, tests assumptions, measures the result and shows what they changed afterwards. 4 — Between 3 and 5: fully meets level 3 and shows some of the level-5 evidence. 3 — Meets the level: Gives a real example: defines the problem, gathers the relevant facts, compares two or more options and explains a sensible choice and its result. 2 — Between 1 and 3: some of the level-3 evidence, but with clear gaps or only after prompting. 1 — Weak: Jumps to an answer without understanding the problem; cannot explain how they reached it, or gives no real example.
Positive indicators (listen for): • Asks clarifying questions before answering • Describes their own actions ("I"), not only the team's • Quantifies the result or explains how it was checked
Negative indicators (watch for): • Stays general ("I always…") with no specific example • Blames others or circumstances for the outcome • Cannot say what they would do differently
Evidence heard: ________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Rating: __ / 5
Interviewer: ____________________ Date: ____________
Adapt the anchors to the job before you use them. Use the same rubric for every candidate interviewed for the role.