The 12 Best Interview Questions to Ask Candidates
Every hiring manager has their own style of interviewing and questions that they like to ask in interviews. Of course, there aren’t any right or wrong questions to ask in interviews. However, an interview is the best chance to get to know the candidate behind the resume. A resume can’t tell a candidate’s whole story. Interviewing becomes even more important when you consider how costly hiring mistakes are. While there are no perfect interview questions, try using these 12 questions to dig deeper in your next interview.
1. What three words would you use to describe your ideal work environment?
Why? This question is a great “culture fit” question. The three words they use to describe their ideal work environment can give you a good idea of how they will fit in to your work environment.
2. What skill makes you most qualified for this position?
Why? The candidate has obviously read the job description and the specific requirements needed for the position. By asking the candidate what skills makes them the qualified for this position, you can get to know how experienced and confident a candidate is about their ability to do a great job.
3. Tell me something about yourself that others may be surprised to know about you.
Why? This is a great way to dig deeper and understand the candidate on a more personal level.
4. Tell me your biggest success story related to [skill].
Why? A candidate’s ability to communicate a success story using a particular skill gives you an idea of how they used their skills to make a difference at past employers.
5. If hired, what would be the first task you tackled?
Why? This question shows that a candidate is ready to hit the ground running upon starting at your company. A candidate that knows what to tackle first is a problem solver.
6. How would you deal with a difficult coworker?
Why? The ability to work in a team even with difficult coworkers is key for any candidate. This question also gives you an idea of their emotional intelligence and how they handle confrontation and difficulties.
7. What skill would you like to improve and what is your plan for doing so?
Why? Self-awareness. Instead of asking the typical “What is your greatest weakness?” question, try this question instead. This question is all about how self-aware a candidate is and how they want to improve. It’s always a good sign when a candidate knows they have room for improvement and they have a plan to improve and grow.
8. What are you passionate about?
Why? How does a candidate spend their time outside of work and what are they truly passionate about? A great way to get to know a candidate on a deeper level is to ask them what they are passionate about.
9. What is your biggest accomplishment in your career?
Why? By asking a candidate about their biggest accomplishment, you are giving them the opportunity to “toot their own horn”. This can help give the candidate a confidence boost in the interview and help open them up.
10. What excites you most about this position?
Why? You want people on your team that want to be there and that are excited about the opportunity.
11. Our company vision is [company vision]. How do you see yourself fitting in and contributing to that vision?
Why? This is a very important question. Your company has a vision of what impact you want to have in the world. Ask the candidate how the see themselves contributing to making that vision a reality.
12. If you noticed a decline in employee morale, what would you do to improve things?
Why? You want to hire employees that have the potential to be future leaders. This question gives you insight into what their leadership skills are.
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