How many gumballs could you fit into a school bus? Why are manhole covers round? How much heavier is an elephant than a mouse? As an employer, you’ve probably heard about asking ïcreativeï questions during the interview process and wondered if they can really help you find the best people for your team. Although they can stump potential employees and reveal some really good things about candidates, the best interview questions to ask are the ones that will reveal what each candidate is really like and if they can get your organization results. Here are some questions you might want to try out the next time you hold an interview.
Tell me about a time you set a difficult goal. What did you do to achieve it?
If you’re looking for an employee who is results-driven and goal-oriented ï like most employers ï asking this question is a good way to determine if a candidate is able to handle the goals you’re going to set for the position. When it comes to the candidate’s answer, a good answer to this question shows that they understand what a difficult goal is, and knows what type of effort has to go into achieving it, all while maintaining focus and producing quality work.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment to-date and how was it achieved?
When it comes to the best interview questions to ask, some employers say that this one tells them everything they need to know. This is because a candidate’s answer to this question can give you a better feel for their past successes and their sense of ownership. An answer that really goes above and beyond will also show that the job seeker is confident, but that they still give credit where credit is due.
Why are you a good fit for this company?
Any job seeker can tell you that when it comes to landing the job they want, they’ve got to set themselves apart from the competition. This is why, as the employer, this is one of the best interview questions to ask. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be blown away by the one candidate with a showy answer. When you ask this question, pay careful attention to what the candidate has to say. When a candidate does a good job at answering this question, they will be able to tie in how their unique education, experience, and credentials come together and make them the best fit for the open position and your company as a whole.
How do you define hard work?
Every organization moves at a very different pace, and this question can help you figure out whether or not a candidate will be able to keep up with the rest of your team. This question can also help you identify someone who is truly a hard worker, but who has been working in a position that hasn’t really given them a chance to shine. When you ask the question, make sure that the candidate makes it clear that they want to get to work and start producing great results for your organization.
What would your last supervisor tell me about you?
When it comes to the best interview questions to ask, this is a great one to add into any interview. In a lot of cases, you’ll notice that this question makes candidates squirm in their seat because it forces them to give an honest response. Ultimately, this question is designed to help you figure out what a candidate’s biggest weakness is.
What motivates you?
When you add a new person to your team, you obviously want to make sure that their personality and work habits will complement your company’s culture. Whether the candidate says that making customers happy or earning a competitive salary is what makes them tick, this question can help you hone in on if that person will be one who sticks around.
Don’t sweat it
It’s easy to start feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the questions you can ask a candidate when you bring them in for an interview. However, the main thing you need to remember is that when it comes down to it, the best interview questions to ask are the ones that help you get to know what the candidate is like and if they’ll do a good job for your organization. As you look for new people to join your team, make sure you look at the resources Mighty Recruiter has to offer to bring top talent to your organization.