What Questions You Should Be Asking
In Your Next Interview
Interviewing people is challenging, and learning to interview them effectively is even more challenging. The right interview questions can help you assess candidates efficiently and make the best hiring decisions.
What questions should you be asking to optimize the interview experience?
Identify Key Position Requirements: Start by identifying what is most important about the position you are filling. Tailor your questions to uncover the candidate's ability to meet these key requirements. For example, if the role requires strong project management skills, ask about their experience managing projects, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.
Avoid Offbeat Questions: Avoid offbeat questions when you don’t know what answer you are looking for. Just because it worked for the CEO of Google doesn’t make it a good question for your interview. Instead, focus on questions relevant to the role and the candidate's experience. Offbeat questions can sometimes add unnecessary stress and may not provide valuable insights.
Focus on Soft Skills: Technical abilities matter, but soft skills often determine long-term success. Assessing communication, adaptability, and teamwork is crucial. Ask questions that reveal how candidates handle real-life situations and interact with others. For instance, you could ask, "Can you describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member? How did you handle the situation?" This helps you understand their interpersonal skills and conflict-resolution abilities.
Evaluate Culture Fit and Motivation: Beyond skills and experience, finding candidates who align with your company culture ensures long-term engagement. Ask about their values, work style, and what motivates them to see if they fit your team well. Questions like, "What type of work environment do you thrive in?" or "What motivates you to do your best work?" can provide valuable insights into their compatibility with your company culture.
Gauge Long-Term Potential: Understanding a candidate's long-term potential can help you make better hiring decisions. Ask about their career goals and where they see themselves in the next few years. This can help you determine if they will stay with your company and grow within the role.
You can optimize your interview process and make more informed hiring decisions by asking the right questions. Remember, the goal is to find the best fit for the role and your company culture.