In the general workforce, when it comes to hiring, there is always a conversation that typically centers around the interviewee and how to have a good interview as well as secure the job. Rarely do we hear advice or tips for employers on how to conduct effective interviews and more importantly, ask the right questions. Many often hold the opinion that for employers, there is only so much to do in the realm of asking questions or the interviewing process, however, this couldn’t be farther from the case.
Are you an employer looking to fulfill a position within your company? Do you feel rusty when it comes to asking the right questions? Here are the top five best questions to ask an interviewee, that will guarantee a smooth interviewing process!
When was a time that you received critical feedback from a supervisor? What was the criticism and how did you respond to it?
Let’s be honest, no one likes to hear when they are doing a bad job or could be doing something better. We are all human, and thus susceptible to making mistakes and receiving critical feedback from our bosses/employers. When interviewing a job candidate, posing this question might crank up the pressure, however, it can say a lot about the person you are interviewing if they can acknowledge a setback or mistake while on the job, and comment on how such an experience changes their mindset. Someone who is accepting of critical feedback will be a great addition to your company, no matter what the position may be.
What one specific skill makes you most qualified for this position?
First and foremost, relevant experience and a desirable skillset are the qualities that make a candidate desirable by any company. Personality and references matter, of course, but without a skill set that matches the candidate to the position, there is no point in hiring. Asking this question gives the interviewee the opportunity to highlight points on their resume that needed further elaboration, and allows for them to go into detail about what sets them apart from all other applicants. Kat Boogaard of The Muse notes, “Not only do you get to hear more detail about what that candidate considers to be his core competencies, but it’s also a chance to confirm that he has the appropriate understanding of everything the role entails.”
What motivates you to work and accomplish tasks?
While the question itself is simple, this gives the interviewee the opportunity to give a thoughtful answer regarding what their motives are. Money, contributing to a greater good, working in a field they are passionate about, etc. are all common motives for people to work, and depending on the position and what kind of candidate you are looking for, a question like this can give you better insight on their ability to perform on the job. We all have different motivations when working, and a well-thought-out answer to the question can demonstrate the qualities of a great candidate.
Why are you leaving your current employer?
Nothing quite nerves a potential job candidate like a question surrounding their old job/employer. Realistically, no one wants to look bad in the eyes of an interviewer for leaving a job, or be put in a position to feel like they are speaking badly about their former employer. While this question can be uncomfortable for the interviewee, as an employer, the answer to this question can give you insight into this employment history and any bad traits the person might have. Depending on the answer, a question like this can reveal whether or not you want this candidate in your company.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Establishing where the candidate sees their professional career within a specific timeframe can give you insight on their goals, as well as their career ambitions. A blog post by Apollo Technical suggests, “An ambitious professional with a clear set of goals for the short, medium, and long term, is an invaluable asset to the company. As they grow professionally and financially, the company grows and expands too.”
Interviewing for a new position within your company can feel overwhelming for a number of reasons, such as demonstrating proper interviewing etiquette or asking the best questions to have the best results. While all interviews will differ from person to person, one thing that remains clear is: preparation is key. The line of questions for a candidate don’t have to be rigid, however, asking the questions above will give you just the right amount of insight to determine the next perfect fit for your company!