Keeping things interesting for both you and a candidate interviewing for a position can take effort. There are questions that you must ask to assess the candidate’s qualifications and then there are all the other questions that can help determine cultural fit, work habits, judgment, personality, and problem-solving abilities. The right mix of questions can be thought-provoking, engaging, and insightful for both you and your candidate.
We have compiled this list of both the must-asks and some other questions that may help you foster a better understanding of your candidate.
Can you tell me about yourself? This question allows the candidate to give an overview of their background, experiences, and skills. It also helps to gauge their communication skills and how well they can present themselves.
What interests you about this role and our company? This question assesses whether the candidate has taken the time to research your company and if they understand the specifics of the role they’re applying for.
What relevant experience do you have for this position? This question delves into the candidate’s specific skills and experiences that make them suitable for the role. It also indicates their understanding of the position they are interviewing for.
Can you describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you handled it? This behavioral question helps evaluate the candidate’s problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and how they handle adversity.
Describe a situation where you had to think outside the box to solve a problem. What was the outcome? This question evaluates the candidate’s creativity, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills.
How do you stay updated with industry trends and advancements? This question assesses the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and their level of interest in the field.
Tell me about a time when you had to challenge the status quo or a standard way of doing things. This assesses the candidate’s willingness to question norms and their ability to drive change or improvements.
Can you walk me through a project you’re particularly proud of? This allows the candidate to showcase their achievements and demonstrate how they approach tasks and projects.
What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in this role? This question can reveal whether the candidate understands the role’s requirements and if they possess the necessary attributes.
How do you handle working in a team? Can you give an example of a successful team project you’ve been a part of? This assesses the candidate’s teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills.
Tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage it? This question evaluates the candidate’s time management and organizational skills, as well as their ability to handle pressure.
Describe a time when you had to make a decision without all the necessary information. How did you approach it? This question assesses the candidate’s decision-making process, ability to handle uncertainty, and risk management skills.
What are your long-term career goals and how do you see this role fitting into them? This helps gauge the candidate’s aspirations and whether the position aligns with their career trajectory.
If you were to give a TED Talk on any topic, what would it be about? This question can reveal the candidate’s passions, areas of expertise, and their ability to communicate and inspire others.
Whether you are asking these questions or specific job and cultural questions, what is equally as important is listening actively to the candidate, observing non-verbal cues, and asking follow-up questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the candidate’s capabilities and cultural fit with your organization.
