As a manager, you probably already know the importance of ensuring that potential new hires have both hard skills and soft skills. But how can you determine if a candidate will actually be a good employee? Here are 7 interview questions to ask to ensure candidate quality.
What can you tell me about yourself that others might be surprised to learn?
This question gives the candidate an open floor to share something interesting that might not otherwise arise. Look for an answer that shows depth.
Could you share one success story and one challenge you had with X skill?
Depending on the position, it’s not necessarily enough for a candidate to have a passing familiarity with a specific hard skill. You’ll want to know if the person has really used that skill in a meaningful way. Sharing both a success story and a challenge can help you make a stronger assessment.
Please tell me about a time when you had a challenging relationship with a colleague. What happened and how did you handle it?
People skills are essential in any position. This question helps you determine the candidate’s ability to work through difficulties, as well as to deal with people in a professional manner.
Could you describe your ideal job?
This one focuses more on fit than candidate quality. But it is highly valuable, because it lets you see if the person’s desired career direction meshes with both the available position and your company overall.
If you could revisit the past and change one situation, what would it be and what would you do differently?
This question helps you understand how the candidate has evolved over time. It also hints at their values and priorities, as well as how they might function as a manager or team leader.
What are your two biggest successes so far in your career?
This opens a window into the candidate’s strongest values and motivators. Are they most excited by winning an award or solving a problem or helping others succeed? There is no right or wrong answer, but a high-quality candidate will be able to explain how they view success and why.
What made you decide to take your current position?
This is especially useful if the candidate has changed industries, but it can provide some insights on even a traditional career path. It can help you understand the person’s overall trajectory, motivations, and goals.
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