Interview Questions That Reveal the Best Candidates
The interview is a pivotal moment in the hiring process, offering a unique opportunity to delve beyond the resume and understand the person behind the qualifications.
Creating effective interview questions is both an art and a science, requiring a deep understanding of what you’re truly looking for in a candidate and how best to uncover it.
As you consider questions for your next candidate, think about the core competencies and skills essential for success in the position and how these align with your company culture and industry standards.
Are you seeking someone with exceptional problem-solving skills, or is creativity more valuable for this role?
How important are teamwork and collaboration within your organization?
With these guiding questions in mind, let's explore three top recommendations for designing interview questions that bring out the best in your candidates.
1. Use Behavioural Questions to Predict Future Performance
Behavioural interview questions are designed to reveal how a candidate has handled situations in the past, offering a practical glimpse into how they might approach challenges and tasks in your role. These questions typically start with phrases like, “Tell me about a time when...” or “Give me an example of how you…” This technique is based on the idea that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, providing insight into a candidate's problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability skills.
Key Takeaways:
Craft questions that prompt candidates to share specific examples from their past experiences.
Focus on situations relevant to the challenges they might face in the new role.
Analyze their answers for evidence of their problem-solving strategies and behavioral patterns.
2. Incorporate Situational Questions to Assess Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Situational interview questions ask candidates to describe how they would handle hypothetical work-related scenarios. These questions help assess a candidate's critical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and adaptability without relying solely on past experiences. This can be particularly useful for understanding how less experienced candidates might tackle situations they haven't encountered before.
Key Takeaways:
Present hypothetical scenarios relevant to the role and your industry.
Evaluate the candidate’s problem-solving process, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Look for answers that demonstrate a thoughtful consideration of possible outcomes and a strategic approach to decision-making.
3. Tailor Questions to Explore Fit with Company Culture and Values
A candidate’s fit with your company culture is just as important as their skills and experience. Questions that explore a candidate's work values, motivations, and preferred work environment can help gauge whether they will thrive within your organization. Ask about the type of company culture they excel in, their ideal team dynamics, or how they align with your company’s core values.
Key Takeaways:
Design questions that prompt candidates to reflect on their ideal work environment and how they align with your company culture.
Listen for indications of their ability to collaborate, adapt to change, and their overall work ethic.
Use their responses to assess how well they would integrate with your team and contribute to your company’s goals.
Ready for your next hiring interview?
The right interview questions can illuminate a candidate's suitability for the role, their potential for future growth, and their compatibility with your company culture. By incorporating behavioral and situational questions, along with those tailored to assess cultural fit, you create a comprehensive view of each candidate's strengths and areas for development.
This approach not only helps you identify the best candidates but also ensures a more engaging and revealing interview process. Remember, the goal is to foster a conversation that allows candidates to showcase their best qualities, giving you the insights needed to make informed hiring decisions.
Need assistance with your next hire?
The L Cooper Way team can help with developing job descriptions, writing interview questions, and evaluating your candidates. Contact us today to learn more.
