Casual Interview Questions to Ask Candidates

Hey there! So, you’ve got an interview lined up and you want to get to know your candidates better, huh? Naturally, we all want to find the perfect fit. Sure, skills and experience are vital, but let’s be real—getting a feel for someone’s personality, approach to work, and how they'll fit into your company culture can matter just as much.

When I think back to my experiences in interviews (there certainly are moments I could live without!), sipping on coffee while nervously tapping my feet, it strikes me that some of the most memorable conversations stemmed from fun, casual questions. Yep! Casual questions can steer discussions into unexpected avenues, revealing deeper insights about the candidate.

Let’s dive into some casual interview questions that you can use. Put your questions on index cards—ok, just kidding; maybe keep them on your phone! The main thing is to keep it light, and even a bit fun. So, what do you think your candidates would want to grab a bite and chat about if given a chance?

Breaking the Ice

First things first, opening a conversation is key. You want to set the tone and let your candidates know that while you’re serious about finding the right fit, it's also okay to be comfortable discussing things. Here are some cold starters for those chatty moments:

• If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

• Who doesn’t love some superhero discussions, right? Plus, it reveals their interests, creativity, and maybe their funny side.

• What’s your favorite book or movie, and how has it influenced you?

• Wow, people can tell you so much through their responses: tenacity, emotion, joy—you name it! Other people's ideas can lead to great conversations.

• If money were no object, what would you be doing right now?

• This can really open them up! Listen for aspects that align with your mission or offer a glimpse of their passions.

Perfect! Conversations like these soften the tense atmosphere and invite the candidate to share their personality. You know, we all like to know that a company values the things we do outside of work, right?

Getting to Know Their Work Style

Now after that easygoing start, you might want to transition to those areas that folks often care about, like work style and habits. Not every candidate has a clear vision of their professional persona revolving around degrees or titles. Instead, their stories of past experiences can play a big role. Consider these questions:

• What's a project you've worked on that you're especially proud of?

• Look for passion and presentation. How do they communicate their achievements?

• Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge in your work environment. How did you handle it?

• This question digs deeper! If handled well, they offer insights into resilience, creativity, and teamwork—truly valuable.

You don’t need bite-sized info from applicants. Let it flow. To their answers, react genuinely as this gauges not just your interest but also fosters a closer connection!

Company Culture Fit

After you dive into work stuff, it's time to see if those candidates mesh well with your company’s vibe. It helps to suppose they actually get the position. Right? Listen keenly! It’s all about respect and unity of concepts. Here are some simple prompts you could use to determine if they fit the bill:

• What work environment do you thrive in preferably: fast-paced, laid back, or some other flavor?

• Do you prefer team collaborations or being the sole orchestrator of tasks?

Lightening the Mood

Throw in a quirky question! Everyone loves a good laugh. And honestly, they often lead to wonderful reveals of self:

• If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

• What's a pastime or hobby you engage in that surprises people?

  
  

Final Wrinkles

So, what have we learned? Casual interview questions aren’t fluff—they’re door openers. They crack the formal shell, ease nerves, and uncover the kind of real-life personality traits that just don’t shine through in resume speak. When you ask thoughtful, fun, and low-pressure questions, you invite the candidate to be themselves. That’s where the magic happens.

Think of it this way: you’re not just hiring a role—you’re inviting someone into a shared space where communication, curiosity, and collaboration matter. Casual questions give you a shortcut to seeing how a candidate might show up in that space every day.

Quick tips before you roll into your next interview:

• Mix casual with practical—start with the fun, end with the functional.

• Pay attention to energy. How a candidate lights up or thinks out loud tells you just as much as what they say.

• Keep it conversational, not clinical. You’re two humans having a chat about potential futures.

• And finally… have fun with it. Because if you enjoy the conversation, chances are the candidate will too.

So next time you sit across the table (or screen) from someone new, don’t forget: A good question opens a door. A great question makes someone want to walk through it. And the best question? It shows that you’re not just looking to fill a seat—you’re looking to welcome the right person into the room.

✨ Keep it casual. Keep it curious. You’re doing great.