Let’s face it, going to a job interview can be uncomfortable for both parties. But it’s still a critical stage in the hiring process. The purpose of an interview is to determine whether a candidate has what it takes to perform the job successfully.
Try asking questions deserving of interesting responses during job interviews rather than the standard ones. Candidates have experienced interviews multiple times and have developed standard responses to common questions. Questions that make them think bring out natural answers. That makes the conversation more insightful and less awkward.
We’ve compiled 25 excellent questions that team members and hiring managers can use during interviews in this guide.
5 interview questions to ask candidates
The 6 Types of Interview Questions
According to The Seek Group, there are 4 types of interview questions. I’ll add 2 essential categories to this list—openers and closers:
Each of these six categories aims to provide interviewers with fresh details about a prospective new hire.
Choose at least one query from each category, if you’re the hiring manager. Additionally, if you’re a job applicant, review the suggested answer formats listed below:
Opening questions are a formal conversation starter. They uplift the spirit and reveal a person’s personality. There are 4 reasons I love asking opening questions. They:
Here are my favorite openers:
“What’s Your Personal Passion Project?”
This opening query is one of my favorites because it reveals a candidate’s personality:
I’m a voracious reader, and I’m currently reading Homer’s Odyssey, a timeless work. Although it’s a lengthy book, I hadn’t started reading it yet. I hope to finish the 20 books I have on the back burner by the end of the year!
Unusual: “I love to collect rocks! When I travel the world, I find the most special, priceless rocks and keep them in a little box at home. This is my way of keeping travel souvenirs!”.
Inane: “My personal passion project? I enjoy watching a lot of TV at home.” ”.
Passionless: “I don’t really have a passion…”
What attracted you to apply for this position?
You, as the interviewer, should be able to tell if the job applicant is enthusiastic about the position or if they merely applied for it without doing any research.
You could also contrast their experience with the requirements of the position and ask them how they would respond in various scenarios.
“Have You Ever Read a Book That Changed Your Life?”
I adore this inquiry because almost everyone has read a book that has inspired them, altered their perspective, or even helped them succeed. And if they aren’t lifelong learners, it’s a bad sign if they can’t read.
You might even be able to infer personality traits from the type of book they prefer—for example, one 2017 study showed that people who prefer:
Excited: “Oh, yes! I just finished reading a bestseller called Captivate. It was so good, in fact, that I believe my social skills have multiplied tenfold.
Skilled: “Of course, I actually just finished reading a book about this position. It showed me how various programming languages will be used in the future, which is why I would adore working as a developer at this forward-thinking company!
Non-Reader: “Well, the last book I read was something in high school about farm animals. I love animals, actually. ”.
FAQ
What are the top 25 interview questions?
- Why are you interested in working for us?
- What made you apply for this position?
- How did you find out about this position?
- Why are you looking for a new job?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Describe yourself.
What are the top 10 questions to ask a candidate?
- What attracted you to apply for this position? …
- What steps do you take when making decisions? …
- What has your typical role on a team been? …
- How would your colleagues describe you? …
- What motivates you to work? …
- Name a work accomplishment that makes you proud?
What are the top 5 questions to ask a candidate?
- What are your knowledge and motivations regarding our business?
- What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?
- Can you tell me about your current job?
- What could your current company do to be more successful?
What are the 20 most asked questions in an interview?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why should we choose you for this job?
- What are your hobbies outside of work?
- Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
- Why are you leaving your current position?
- What are your main strengths?
