Finding the perfect person for a job means asking the right interview questions. It’s not just about their resume; you want to find someone who fits your team. A good interview helps you see their skills, experience, and even things you can’t put on paper, like how well they communicate or solve problems.
To make sure you’re comparing candidates fairly, it’s a good idea to ask everyone the same set of questions. And always make sure your questions are about the job itself, not personal stuff. Below is a look at four types of interview questions that can help you make the best hiring decision for your team.
Let’s Talk: Discussion Interview Questions
These are open-ended interview questions that can help candidates talk about their work experience and how it relates to your open position. Instead of just saying, “Tell me about yourself” (which can be a bit too broad), try questions that give them a little more direction:
- “What made you want this job/want to work for our company?” This question helps you see if they did their homework on your business. It shows if they’re genuinely interested and if your company’s values (like service or innovation) appeal to them. People often say that feeling connected to a company’s mission is more important than just the paycheck!
- “What skills and strengths can you bring to this job?” This follow-up question helps you understand whether they’ve considered how their abilities can benefit your business. This can also help you clarify the job description for the candidate or highlight the parts of the job description that excite them the most.
Just the Facts: Informational Interview Questions
These are simple, fact-based interview questions that help you get basic details about your candidate. They should be more than a yes/no answer, but still straightforward. These questions can help you confirm the skills you saw on their resume and set the stage for more in-depth conversations. Examples include:
- “What kind of social media experience do you have in a professional setting?”
- “Which version of QuickBooks have you used most recently, and what were your main tasks with it?”
- “Is there a project management system you like best, and why?”
Show, Don’t Just Tell: Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral interview questions ask candidates to share stories about how they’ve handled specific situations in past jobs. There’s no right or wrong answer here; you’re looking to understand their problem-solving skills, how they work under pressure, and how they communicate. Here are a couple of examples:
- “Tell us about a time you had a really tight deadline. How did you handle it? What if you couldn’t meet it?” This question reveals how they deal with stress, manage their time, and communicate when things get tough. Everyone faces missed deadlines sometimes, so how they’d talk to a boss or client about it is really important.
- “Describe a time you went above and beyond for a work project.” This question can bring out positive stories and show you what they’re proud of. It’s also a good question to bring up when you call their references.
Thinking Outside the Box: Non-Traditional Interview Questions
Sometimes, you want to see how a candidate thinks on their feet or if they have a true passion for their work. Instead of strange questions like “How many golf balls fit in a 747?”, try these:
- “What’s the most interesting project you’ve ever worked on?” This can tell you if they’ll enjoy the kind of work you offer. You want an employee who will be happy and grow with your company, and their answer can show if their interests match the job.
- “If you could have anyone in our industry as a mentor, who would it be and why?” This question reveals if the candidate is truly committed to learning and growing in their field. Do they follow a specific finance blog? Are they interested in certain industry leaders? This can be more helpful than asking “Where do you see yourself in five years?” because it shows their genuine curiosity and desire to learn.
Using these four types of interview questions will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect fit for your position. At Proper Solutions Staffing, we specialize in finding the right administrative and accounting professionals for businesses in the Palm Springs area. We understand the local job market and can help you ask the right interview questions to identify top talent. Need a refresher on what interview questions to avoid? This article on the Society for Human Resources website provides a good overview. Would you like help creating a tailored set of interview questions for a specific role you’re trying to fill? We’re here to help you find talent you can trust! Contact us to connect.
