Organisations often rely on hiring managers’ knowledge of roles and team needs, but without proper interview training, even experienced managers can make critical mistakes. Common issues include unconscious bias, inconsistent questioning, and poor record-keeping, all of which can undermine fair and effective hiring.
Under Employment Equality legislation, candidates need only establish an inference of discrimination, after which the burden of proof shifts to the employer. Compensation can be significant—up to €13,000 for external candidates, up to two years’ remuneration for internal candidates, and unlimited awards in certain gender discrimination cases.
Case law that highlights these risks are Williams v Board of Management, a discriminatory comment relating to maternity leave led to an €85,000 award. In Barry v SOLAS, an age-related remark resulted in €20,000 compensation. Other cases demonstrate that culturally inappropriate questions and lack of interview records can also lead to findings against employers.
Interview skills training helps mitigate these risks by promoting structured interviews, consistent evaluation criteria, and lawful questioning. It also supports better hiring decisions and enhances the organisation’s professional image.
Investing in interview training ensures fair, compliant, and effective recruitment while protecting the organisation from legal and reputational risk.
If you require further support or advice relating to HR, please do not hesitate to contact us at hrsolutions@nfpireland.ie / (066)7102887.
For more information visit https://nfpireland.ie
Caroline Reidy, Head of NFP HR Solutions Ireland Limited, HR and Employment Law Specialist