Good Questions to Ask an Interview Candidate

Hey there! So, you’re planning an interview? Exciting stuff! Hiring the right person can really change everything for your team. But it can be tough knowing just what to ask. Sure, there are the usual questions, but how do you dive deeper into what a candidate is really about? That’s the kicker! You want to uncover who they are and how they fit with your team.

Setting the Stage: Your Interview Environment

Before jumping into questions, let’s learn a little about your interview setup. Imagine this: You walk into a room, and… wait! Is it too stuffy? Or is it warm and inviting? And that’s so important because, let’s be real, people often feel nervous in interviews. A relaxed environment can make all the difference.

Now that the mood is good, let’s move on to the shining moment—the questions. ✨

The Classic Basics

Of course, you don't want to toss aside the classic questions. These can get you steady ground on which to build any great discussion:

1. Tell me about yourself.

• Simple, but oh-so-revealing! By alley-ooping this question, you're asking them to share their story. Who doesn’t love a good story?

2. What do you know about our company?

• This question sparks curiosity! Is the candidate ready to impress you with research? Or just peaked at your social media?

3. Why do you want to work here?

• Helps to dig deep. Is their passion closer to money? Or do they align with your vision?

Now, am I giving you a headache yet? Don’t worry! You’re planning an interview—the good kind, not a torture session.

Digging Deeper: Behavioral Questions

Okay, let’s cut to the chase! You want to see how they tick under pressure, right? Behavioral questions are like a magic wand for that! These questions help you understand how a candidate did things in the past. Here are a few to shake things up:

• Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work? How did you handle it?

• Give me an example of a decision you made sort of under pressure. What happened?

• Have you ever worked with a team that struggled? What did you do?

Dreams and Aspirations

You know what else really matters? Understanding the candidate's career path and dreams. And probably forlorn sighs would creep forward when they mention what makes them twinkle! A few thoughtful questions include:

• What are your goals for the next few years?

• Ambition helper! You get to see if their targets align with your evolving company direction. If they want to finish a marathon, say, two years out, that might be commitment, right?

• What do you enjoy most about your current position?

• Knowing what makes them happy at work makes it fruitful ground. You'll get insights galore over motivations!

• If I were to hand you the perfect role, what would it involve?

• Mix up their imagination! This really shows who they think they should be—just be ready for “CEO,” of course!

  
  

Assessing Cultural Fit

Listen up, cultural fit is huge! It’s about two hearts accurately beating as one in mixed offices. You need caress but also challenge. Here are some heart-to-hearts:

• How would your colleagues describe you?

• Awkward pause here. What will they come up with!? This can show self-awareness or balanced perspectives. Fascinating!

• What’s your approach when one team member disagrees with another?

• This type of question allows for... you guess it: fireworks! Differences clash or sometimes lead to great outcomes.

• Can you describe your ideal company culture?

• While romanticizing the local coffee shop vibe is sweet, the workspace can have its quirks. So, is it super lovey-dovey, or time-is-money fast-paced?

  
  

Testing Skills & Experience

Alright, let’s turn up the dial. It's number-crunching, skill-weighing time!

• What past experience prepared you for this particular role?

• This will bring it full circle! Have they been bouncing around or troop-master-general for years? Get those golden nuggets spilled here!

• Can you walk me through your resume/article of accomplishments?

• Who doesn’t glow with pride while speaking about their victories? Peek here for engaging experiences, too!

• What tools or technology are you proficient with that apply to this position?

• Chances arise for cool tech dons who just bend this Anglerfish-required tech without breaking nail polish.

  
  

Wrapping a Bow

Wow, we got to run through some fantastic questions to help you along that interview journey! Finding someone who clicks can feel fulfilling (seriously one truly satisfying quest). To uncover real character, often it's great question-asking that matters most. 

Good luck finding the ideal match! I can't wait to hear about the talented people you’ll add to your team. 🥳