Conducting an interview can be a real challenge, especially when you know nothing about what questions to ask. Interview questions play a major role in revealing candidate’s personality, behaviour and mindset. Most of the interviewers are unarmed when it comes to asking appropriate questions.
You can bet that your candidates are ready with the answers when they are asked standard interview questions like, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” or “Why should I hire you?”
Such questions are often asked in an interview and candidates are ready with their tailored answers according to company’s requirements. Unfortunately, these questions do not reveal much about your candidates. Interviewers should ask better questions to know more about candidates and convert your interview in an authentic discussion. Here are some interview questions that will help you ask better questions to potential candidates:
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You might have researched about our company, I’m sure. What would you say we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong?
This question will clearly let you know if the candidate has gone through your website and has done some homework. This question will help you tell apart those candidates who know nothing about the job role or organization. Candidates who answer this question accurately are the ones who are really interested in the job role.
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If I ask your last supervisor which area of your work needs most enhancement, what will I learn?
This question will surely get an honest response because when the supervisor is included into the discussion, the candidate knows that the truth will be revealed anyway. This question is same as “What are your weaknesses?” but framed in a different way.
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What could your current organization do to be more successful?
This question will let you know if the candidate can see the big picture at their current company and if hired will they be able to contribute to the long term goals of your company. It also answers the reason for leaving the previous job.
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If you were recruiting for this position, what qualities would you be looking for in the applicant?
This question will let you know about individual’s values and skills. Then ask him to rank himself against all those qualities. This would tell you if the person is falsely modest in ranking himself low or self-confident in ranking high.
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How would you guide an alien through making a peanut butter sandwich?
This is a thought provoking question; it will give you a deeper insight about the person. This question will tell you how logically and systematically the candidate can lead his team and if he is willing to accept exceptional scenarios and work on it. There are several similar questions like, “How many cars are there in Canada?” or “Why manhole covers are round?”
You can finally conclude the interview and ask if the candidate has any questions for you. These questions will let you have a deeper and clearer idea about your candidates and will help you shortlist the most suitable one.