5 Interview Questions You Should Be Asking

When you’re interviewing a new team member to add to your team, you should have carefully designed questions to help you determine if the candidate is the right fit. Don’t free-style your interview questions and expect success in your hiring.

Here are 10 Questions You Should Consider Asking of Any Candidate:

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
   1. Don’t define it, just let the candidate tell you what they want you to know. This can help you understand a candidate’s personality and direct further questions.
2. What is your reason for looking for a new role?
   1. This helps you determine their motive. Are they looking for a new challenge? Or, are they looking to take a step back? Did they get fired from their old job? Do they have issues with their current manager or employer?
3. What is your favorite task/responsibility in your current (or most recent role)?
   1. This helps you understand what they like to do and if your job would be a good fit.
4. What is your least favorite task/responsibility in your current (or most recent role)?
   1. If they share with you that they absolutely hate dealing with details, but that’s 90% of the role you’re interviewing for, you know it won’t be a good fit.
5. If I asked your current manager for feedback about your performance, what would they say about you?

In addition to these questions, ask about their previous roles. Ask what their responsibilities were. Ask about their team. Ask why they left each role. Gaining insight into their career progression can help you to assess how they might fit with both your company and the role.

Tailor your interview questions to fit your business and your position. Throughout the entire interview process, be consistent. Ask each candidate the same questions. While their answers may lead you to ask different follow up questions, if you start with the same initial questions, you’ll be able to compare candidates consistently. This will help you make the best hire.