Essential Interview Questions for Employers
The interview process is crucial for finding the perfect candidate. It's when you get to dig deep into their skills, experiences, and personality. But figuring out what questions to ask can be a real challenge. We've got you covered with this comprehensive guide on interview questions.
Open-ended questions are the key to uncovering a candidate's true potential. So, instead of sticking to close-ended ones that elicit a simple "yes" or "no," try asking questions that unravel their thoughts, experiences, and unique perspectives. This way, you can truly understand what makes them tick, and make the best hiring decisions for your business.
Common Interview Questions
These questions are your trusty go-to's for evaluating candidates across different roles and industries. The examples below cover everything from motivation to strengths, weaknesses, and alignment with your company. Here are some examples:
Tell me about your qualifications and why they are a match for this role.?
Why do you want to work for our company?
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What do you know about our company?
What interests you about this position?
Great Interview Questions
Take your interviews to the next level with these questions that give you a deeper insight into a candidate's values and critical thinking skills. These questions are designed to make candidates open up and share meaningful experiences.
What is most important to you in a role or work environment?
What are you most proud of in your professional life so far?
How would your current managers and colleagues describe your relationship with them?
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Hard Interview Questions
Put candidates to the test with these tough questions that assess their resilience, self-awareness, and ability to handle challenging situations. These questions let you see how they handle adversity. Consider adding them to your interview arsenal:
What is the most difficult lesson you have had to learn so far?
What critical feedback do you receive most often?
Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it.
If you could redo your career, what would you change?
Describe a situation when you had to make a tough decision with limited information or a tight deadline. How did you approach it, and what was the result?
Talk about a time when you had to work with someone whose personality was very different from yours.
What is the farthest out of your comfort zone you have been while on the job?
Share an example of when you had to juggle multiple priorities or tasks simultaneously. How did you prioritize and manage your time effectively?
Unique Interview Questions
Get a sense of a candidate's creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking with these unique questions. They help you see beyond the usual responses and assess how candidates handle unexpected scenarios. Try these out:
Describe a situation when you had to make a tough decision with limited information or a tight deadline. How did you approach it, and what was the result?
What non-professional skills would you most like to learn?
If we hired you as CEO of this company tomorrow, what is the first change you would make?
What is one fact you refrain from adding to your resume but would love to include?
If it came down to you and one other candidate, what would you say to persuade me to hire you?
Can you give me an example of a time when you took the initiative to improve a process or implement a more efficient way of doing things?
Strategic Interview Questions
These questions dive into a candidate's problem-solving abilities, decision-making processes, and leadership skills. They help you understand how candidates approach challenges and contribute to your organization's success. Here are some strategic questions you can use:
Describe a time when you proactively identified and addressed an issue at your company.
Describe a time you failed and had to alter course. How did you know change was necessary? What actions did you take? What was the result?
Imagine you need to implement a new system without much experience. How do you gather information and ensure successful execution?
Share a time when you made a decision that involved great risk. What was the situation, the final verdict, and the result?
If you received a $50,000 budget and one month, what major organizational change would you implement, and how would you approach it?
Hear From The Candidate
Remember, interviews are a two-way street. Make sure candidates have an opportunity to evaluate whether your company aligns with their goals and values. Here are some questions to hear from candidates:
Why is this position open?
What are the average daily responsibilities of this job?
How would you describe the company culture?
What is your training/onboarding process, and what can I expect in my first 30/60/90 days?
Do you have any concerns about me or my resume that I can address?
What is your favorite part about working for this company?
What are the next steps in the interview process?
Illegal Questions To Ask
While it might be tempting to ask personal questions, it's essential to know what can be legally asked to protect yourself from potential liabilities. Steer clear of the following subjects:
Sex, Gender Identity, or Sexual Orientation
Race, Color, or National Origin
Religion
Disability
Age or Genetic Information
Citizenship
Marital Status, Number of Children
Pregnancy Status
Family-Planning Forecasts
If a candidate asks about accommodations or inclusivity, highlight your company's benefits, diversity efforts, and support for underrepresented employees.
When it comes to successful interviews, don't go it alone. We've got your back, ready to support you on this exhilarating journey of finding the perfect addition to your team.
Ultimately, a successful interview benefits both employers and candidates. It provides valuable insights into a candidate's fit for the role and company culture. If you need expert guidance throughout the interview process, our doors at Sourced. are always open to you.