How to Ask Better Interview Questions

 

Interviewing a candidate involves gathering as much information as possible in a short amount of time. The interview questions should range from specific to the role to broad enough to assess the candidate’s personality.

Asking better interview questions helps determine the candidate’s suitability for the position. You better understand their hard and soft skills, experiences, and other qualifications.

Use the following examples to ask better interview questions and gather the information you seek:  

Why are you leaving your current position?

Focus on how the candidate discusses their employer and role. Look for professionalism and respect. You want these traits in the candidate you hire. 

What interests you about working here?

Learn what the candidate knows about your organization and what they look for in an employer. Please pay attention to the details about your company and how the candidate believes the role fits with their career goals.

What are your top strengths?

Please pay attention to the candidate’s self-awareness and humility in the areas they excel in. See how their most vital qualities align with the position and can help them reach company goals.

Which of your professional accomplishments makes you the proudest?

Find out which type of work helps the candidate feel fulfilled. Determine whether it aligns with what the position involves. Look for a candidate who takes pride in their work.

How would your coworkers describe you?

Determine how self-aware the candidate is. Gain insight into how their personality can help them adapt to the position and organization. Focus on the candidate’s ability to collaborate with others.

Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you handled it?

Discover how the candidate performs under pressure. Talk about their problem-solving skills and stress management techniques. Uncover how the candidate uses challenging circumstances to grow.

Could you describe a time when you worked with someone whose personality or work style significantly differed from yours?

Focus on the candidate’s collaboration methods and interpersonal skills. Include their ability to communicate, problem-solve, and compromise while achieving a common goal. This provides insight into the candidate’s personality and work style.

Can you discuss a time when you successfully managed a hefty workload?

Learn about the candidate’s organizational and time management skills and stress management techniques. See how the candidate prioritizes tasks, adapts to challenges, and collaborates to finish homework.

Will you share something about yourself that is not on your resume?

Uncover details about the candidate’s life outside of the office. This may include their volunteer work or the countries they have traveled to. The candidate’s response and story provide insight into their employee type and how they could contribute to your company’s culture.

Want Help with Interviewing?

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