This is an article I wrote for HR Streamline, a company that offers recruitment and human resource services. They used it in their monthly newsletter.
Preparing Interview Questions
You have the most ideal candidate for the position in your head, and hopefully on paper. You have prepared for the interview and you know what kind of experience, qualifications, soft and hard skills you are looking for. You have scheduled a few appointments. You’re going in!
Are you armed with the right interview questions?
You want to find out if the candidate would make a positive contribution to your organization. You also need to assess their communication and work styles. This may seem obvious, but it is also important to gauge the candidates desire to actually join your company.
Here are some good examples of interview questions that will help you get to know your candidate at the start of the interview:
- You are currently the regional sales manager at Company XYZ? Walk me through the progression of your career up to that role.
- How many employees does your current company have? Describe the reporting relationship structure.
- What would your current employer say were your strengths and areas for development in your field?
It is easy to hire a person because we simply like them. Look for compatibility that is beyond good chemistry by asking questions like these:
- Describe the pace you usually work in the office – slow, fast, pants-on-fire?
- How much structure, directions, and feedback to you like to have from your supervisor on a daily basis?
- How sensitive are you to accepting constructive criticism?
If your candidate has little desire to actually work for your company they are not the ideal person to join your team. You want to find out if they are excited about this opportunity and if they have researched your company by asking questions like these:
- What do you know about our organization?
- Why do you want to work here?
- How would this position with our company give you a link to future career progression?
Finally, leave some time at the end of the interview so you can educate the candidate about your company and about the position. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have.
Here is a helpful resource that might help you brainstorm some more interview questions: 50 Interview Questions