Suggestions for Interviewing Candidates
AKA Investigating Committee
1 . First and foremost, take the responsibility seriously and be thoroughly prepared to represent Freemasonry and its tenets. Business dress is recommended. Remember that you are representing the Craft. Make the appointment to meet at a time that is good for both the candidate and his spouse (or
significant other).
2. Do not discuss specific political issues or specific religious viewpoints. The topics are barred from discussion in the Lodge room anyway.
3. Consider practice or role playing before you go to visit the candidate.
4. Remember, the focus of the interview is to decide if the candidate is suitable to recommend for initiation as a Freemason. You are not there to sell him on Freemasonry.
5. Ask the petitioner what he knows of Freemasonry. Depending on his answer, you may want to do some or all of the following:
• Handout the informational brochure such as “Q/As about Freemasonry”.
• Handout and/or refer to the Masonic Compact.
• Read the preamble to Masonry as found in the Monitor.
• Give a brief explanation of what Freemasonry is and is not.
• Cite famous people who are/were Masons.
• Describe some of the charities that Masonry supports.
• Discuss Freemasonry’s ecumenical approach to religion, i.e. belief in God.
• Discuss Freemasonry’s prohibition against political or religious discussion in the Lodge room.
• Consider playing one of the general Masonic videos.
6. Talk a bit about your Lodge and its projects. Explain how often and where we meet, also if your Lodge has a certain dress code, and our annual dues requirements.
7. Be familiar with the petitioner’s application responses and build initial questions from there. Ask leading questions to get to know the candidate, such as:
-What prompted you to petition the lodge?
-Is your family on board with your desire to join Masonry?
-Are you or have you been involved in community activities?
-If accepted, would you be able to participate In Lodge functions on a regular basis?
-How did you choose your references?
8. Advise the candidate that be will be hearing from the Lodge’s secretary and, if accepted, from the Lodge’s education committee. They will inform him about time and place for degrees. This is a good time to remind the candidate to wear underwear and socks for all degrees.
9. Ask if he has any close friends or relatives who are Masons and who should be informed of his entrance into Masonry.
10.End with thanking him for his time and asking if either of them has any additional questions or has any problems with anything that was discussed.