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Questions to Ask Employee During Interview

  • Writer: Recruitment Advisor
    Recruitment Advisor
  • Apr 22
  • 4 min read

Hey there! So, you're gearing up for an interview, huh? It's quite the adventure, isn't it? As a hiring manager or recruiter, the goal is not just to fill a position but to find the right person for your awesome team. And one way to do that is by asking the right questions during the interview. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea), get comfy, and let’s chat about making your interviews shine!



Icons of a question mark, speech bubble, checklist, person, and microphone on a beige background. Text: "Questions to Ask Employee During Interview."


What Makes a Great Interview?

When we think about interviews, it's easy to focus on the formal stuff—resumes, qualifications, and so on. But here’s the thing: interviews are about people! Awesome candidates trust you to understand them, and you want to grasp not just what they can do, but who they really are. So, the key is to ask the right questions.


Some good questions to ask during an interview might include:


  • What brought you to apply for this role?

  • How did you handle a tough situation at work before?

  • What’s a project you’re really proud of?

  • Can you describe your ideal work environment?

  • How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks?


These questions do more than just check off boxes; they spark conversation. They give you a peek into the candidate's head and heart! I mean, really, what could be simpler than opening up dialogue?


Digging Deeper to get Good Questions to Ask an Employee During an Interview

But wait—there’s more! Sometimes, we need to dig a little deeper than surface-level talking. Issues like teamwork and stress management come into play. Asking about real-life scenarios can change the game. You might want to ask:


  • Can you share a time when you had a disagreement with a coworker?

  • How do you manage stress during busy times?

  • What would your previous boss say your main strengths are?


Surely, you want more than just clever responses that recite fluffy buzzwords. You want genuine insights! A good candidate won’t just tell you what you want to hear. They'll share meaningful experiences and personal growth.


And if you happen to catch them off guard with harder questions? It's okay! (Yikes, that was awkward!) Some of the best interviews happen in moments of honesty—a little unpredictability goes a long way. So, find a fun way to let your candidates spark memories from past experiences.


Skimming Through Essential Tips

Before we wrap our chat, here's a handful of essential tips to keep in mind when you're thinking of questions to ask during an interview. These can help juice up the experience for both you and the candidate:


  • Be genuine: Your vibe sets the tone. Stay warm and open, just like you would when chatting with a friend.

  • Listen actively: Sometimes, candidates have magic waiting in their observations; please let it come out.

  • Follow up: When someone mentions a cool project, ask them to unfold it for you. It’s all about engagement!

  • Know what you’re looking for: Based on the role's requirements, sprinkle those key questions in.


By merging these approaches, you increase the chances of your interviews being less like an interrogation and more like a conversation. Because, let’s be honest, everyone shows their true colors when they're relaxed!


Getting to the Heart of the Matter

When it boils down to it, one great question to start with is: "What excites you most about this role?" This opens the floodgates, allowing candidates to share their passions. You’ll discover not only what skills they have but what lights their fire! Isn't that just cool?


Also, throwing in a question like, “What do you want to learn in this position?” can cast light on their aspirations. After all, who doesn’t want someone always looking to grow? Joining your team means helping that person flourish and become an even bigger asset for everyone involved.


At this point, you might be thinking: “How can I even remember all this?” Well, don’t fret! It’s a lot, I know. Just have a cheat sheet handy with your favorite questions written down. The more natural and flexible you are, the smoother your interview will feel.


Everything in Between

Now, a friendly piece of advice: Practicing these interactions is vital too. Conduct mock interviews with colleagues. Jot down questions, trial and error. Your confidence will grow with time. You might unearth even deeper 'aha' moments when things don’t go as planned. Both you and the candidates can benefit from being open and honest.


Also, remember that the interview process doesn’t just look for talent but fosters connections. Each candidate provides insights into trends and workplace norms. You can work toward bettering your existing plans at the company too. Show them their future value, plan ways to boost everyone up!


The delicate dance of dialogue in interviews will tell you who will fit like a glove into your company culture. Think who they are as persons, and how they will steep into your team brew instead!


As we wrap things up here, I hope you feel ready to tackle your next interview with a relaxed attitude. When you ask engaging questions to ask during an interview, you'll gather not just surface-level details but core insights about who your candidates genuinely are. Go capture some amazing talent and design those conversations that inspire brilliance and insight both ways!


Happy interviewing—and don't forget: You’ve got this!


 
 
 

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