We've all been there—you're sitting across from a potential candidate, their resume in hand. They've got the qualifications, they've passed the initial screenings, and now it's your turn to delve deeper. But what are the best interview questions to ask a candidate?
1. Strategic Interview Questions: A Deep Dive
Strategic interview questions offer a deeper look at how a candidate thinks, how they problem-solve, and how they approach work in a broader sense. And let's be honest, these aren't your grandma's run-of-the-mill interview questions. These are designed to help you understand how your candidate would fit into your organization.
One popular strategic question goes something like this: "Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision at work. What was the outcome and what did you learn?" This question is a goldmine—it delves into the candidate's critical thinking skills, their decision-making process, and their ability to learn and grow from their experiences.
Another strategic interview question you might consider is, "If you were given a project with a tight deadline but limited resources, how would you handle it?" You might be surprised at the resourcefulness of your candidates—trust me, I've heard some impressive answers to this one!
But don't just stop at these—there are countless strategic interview questions to ask a candidate. You could ask them, "How would you handle a disagreement with a superior?", or "Can you tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a major change at work?". These questions not only gauge the candidate's interpersonal skills but also their adaptability—a key trait in today's fast-paced work environment.
So next time you're interviewing a potential candidate, don't be afraid to take a deep dive with your questions. Remember, the goal is to find the best fit for your organization, and strategic interview questions can be a powerful tool in your toolkit. Stay tuned for more insights on unique and basic interview questions to ask candidates in our comprehensive guide.
2. Unique Interview Questions: Stand Out from the Crowd
Standing out from the crowd isn't just for candidates, it's for interviewers too! Let's dive into some unique interview questions to ask a candidate. These questions will not only give you a fresh perspective on the candidate's personality but also demonstrate your company's creative approach.
"How about this for a change of pace: If you were a brand, what would be your motto?" This question throws a curveball at the candidate and nudges them to think creatively and articulate their personal brand. Who knows, you might end up with a candidate whose personal motto aligns perfectly with your company's values!
Another one of my favorites is, "Tell me about a time you failed spectacularly at something, and what you did next." This unexpected question gives you insights into the candidate's resilience and their ability to bounce back from failure. Plus, it's always intriguing to hear how someone turned a negative experience into a positive learning opportunity.
Why not ask, "If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?" This unique interview question unveils a candidate's inspirations and influences, giving you a glimpse into what drives them.
Asking unique interview questions isn't just about making the interview process more fun. It's about diving deeper and getting to know the candidate beyond their CV. Remember, when you're standing out from the crowd with your interview questions, you're also attracting candidates who are willing to think outside the box.
So next time you're interviewing, try tossing in a few unique interview questions. You never know—you might just find your next star employee in the process! Up next, we'll be returning to the classics with some basic interview questions to ask candidates. Stay tuned!
3. Basic Interview Questions: Back to Basics
Think of basic interview questions as the trusty old pair of jeans in your closet – they're always there when you need them, and they never go out of style! Just as you can't go wrong with a classic denim look, you can't go wrong with these staple interview questions to ask candidates.
Describe your experience in this industry. This is a simple yet effective question. It helps you understand the candidate's journey and their understanding of the industry. Remember, every great story starts somewhere!
What is your greatest professional achievement? This question is a golden ticket to understanding a candidate's capabilities. It's one thing to read about their skills on a CV, but hearing them recount a proud accomplishment can reveal a lot about their work ethic and determination.
Why are you interested in this role? This basic question gives the candidate a chance to explain why they're a good fit for the position. It also lets you see if they're passionate about the role and your company.
Where do you see yourself in five years? It might be cliché, but this question is still a gem. It gives you an insight into the candidate's long-term goals and whether they see a future with your company.
Let's not forget about the evergreen, "What can you bring to the company that others can't?" This question pushes candidates to sell themselves and make a case for why they should be your top pick.
These basic interview questions might not be flashy, but they're tried and true. They provide a solid foundation for any interview and help you get to know the candidate on a deeper level. Remember, sometimes the simplest questions can lead to the most revealing answers!
That's a wrap on the basic interview questions to ask candidates. Whether you're going unique or sticking to the basics, the right questions can make all the difference in finding your next star employee. Happy interviewing!
