Bored with the same old interview questions and getting the same tired answers? Whether you are the one doing the interviewing or sitting on the other side of the desk as a candidate, you know how monotonous the interviewing process can be. Bringing a fresh approach to the interview can be done simply by asking new and different questions…questions that are not only interesting and unique, but also seek to draw out valuable answers!
I’ve compiled a short list of some of my favorite questions that you might consider using the next time you find are interviewing. Pick and choose (or modify) the ones you feel fit the situation.
Questions to ask Candidates:
What motivates you? (people, career growth, competition, money, etc.)
Who has inspired you most in your life, and why? (variation – What event has changed your life?)
What’s your most significant career accomplishment?
How would others describe you? (e.g., prior managers, colleagues, friends)
If you were given $1M and told to start your own business, what would that business be and why?
If you were having the perfect career five years from now, describe exactly what that would look like?
Please share with me a time where you have made a mistake which had an impact to the company/your team, and what remedy action you took.
What’s your biggest regret in life?
What one skill do you possess that will most impact our bottom line?
Do you have any mentors, and if so, what type of guidance have you received and what have you taken away from these conversations?
Questions for Candidates to ask:
Why did YOU choose this company? Is that reason still relevant today?
Why do people love working here?
How do you define “success” for this job?
Do you see any reason why I might not be a good fit for this role?
What’s the most important thing I can accomplish in the first 30 days (and 90 days)?
If I get a great performance review for a job well done in the past year what things would I have accomplished?
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of your team.
What does your internal mentorship and ongoing training look like?
Feel free to borrow the ones you love and mix it up the next time you are in an interview. The person sitting across from you will surely appreciate something other than the stock questions they have heard over and over again.
If there are any other questions that you’ve come across and like to use, I’d love to hear them, or let’s schedule some time to discuss.