Top 10 Interview Questions
If you ever interviewed someone for a job, you know it can be difficult to make hiring decisions based on a few conversations.
It’s important to be intentional about the questions that you ask and listen carefully to their answers.
Here are the Top 10 Interview questions that I like to ask in interviews to gain the most insight into a candidate.
What are you looking for in a job or career?
You want to know why candidates have selected this position to apply for. Usually, candidates who are intentional in their job search outperform those who are merely “just applying for a job.” It is important to note that younger employees often have less defined career goals.
Who was your last boss, and how would they rate your performance on a scale of 1-10?
You want them to answer from somebody else’s perspective. It’s more difficult to lie when speaking on someone else’s behalf.
Force them first to give you their boss’s first and last name and write it down on your paper. This shows the candidate that you are serious about this person’s perspective.
Force them to give you an actual number. Ideally, you are looking for an 8, 9, or 10. Ratings of 7 or lower often indicate a score within the five or below range.
At your past job, why did you leave?
It is important to ask this question and ensure clarity in their response. If needed, ask additional follow-up questions.
Remember that the goal is not to encourage negative talk about their previous company but rather to understand the genuine reason for their departure. Did they leave because the company did not suit them or because they did not suit the company?
If I talked to your previous boss, what weaknesses might he/she mention?
This question is similar to “what are you weaknesses?” However, it encourages a more authentic answer. People usually know where they need to improve, and this question may trigger a genuine response.
It’s important to remember that we’re not seeking perfection. The goal is to find a genuine and real answer unless it is immoral or unethical. Instead of focusing on the specific answer, the key is to gauge whether the person understands and acknowledges their weaknesses.
Tell me about your current or previous team. What did you like and dislike?
You want to know what they think of their team versus what they think of themselves. People who lack humility feel they are better than others. You are looking for egoistical, self-centered, and victim behaviors.
You are looking to see if they can praise and criticize their teammates with humility.
Tell me about your work ethic as a teenager.
A person’s work ethic as a teenager often reflects their current approach to work. When asking this question, it is not hypothetical, and they can’t give a predetermined canned response.
Ask about their job, hobbies, and participation in sports during high school. It may indicate a lack of motivation or dedication if they cannot provide a clear response regarding their past activities.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
It is important to observe that individuals engage in activities beyond their work responsibilities. Regardless of the nature of the activity or hobby, hard-working individuals do not idly pass their time outside of work.
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
Candidates are often unprepared for this type of question; however, it can provide insight into their work ethic. Those who prefer an easy workload are typically not motivated by challenges, while hardworking individuals thrive on demanding tasks.
Tell me about a time you worked with an annoying co-worker or boss.
We have all encountered challenging individuals, so all candidates should have relevant experience. You are assessing the candidate’s emotional intelligence, including their ability to regulate emotions, perceive others’ emotions, and handle emotional situations. Ensure you prompt a clear and specific response, avoiding generic and rehearsed answers.
How would you describe your personality?
This question will provide insight into the candidate’s level of self-knowledge and self-perspective. Individuals with high emotional intelligence are highly self-aware of their personality and its perception by others.
