6 interview questions you should always ask candidates

Are your interview questions finding the best candidate or just the best rehearsed?

Finding the ideal candidate is no easy feat.

So, we’ve put together the top 6 questions that help reveal the person behind the paper.

1. Why are you interested in working at this company?

This question isn’t about flattery; it’s about alignment. 

Have they done their research, and are they genuinely interested in your company?

It’s not just about why they want the job but why they want to be part of your team and mission.

2. Can you tell me about a challenge you’ve overcome?

Life throws us curveballs, and how we handle them says a lot. 

This question delves into their problem-solving skills and resilience. 

You’re looking for examples of tenacity and creativity in overcoming obstacles and what they learnt from those experiences.

3. Can you give me an example of a time you received constructive criticism and how you responded?

Feedback fuels growth, so you want to know their attitude towards personal and professional development.

Plus, how someone receives and applies feedback is telling.

Listen for stories that show they can take feedback gracefully and use it as a stepping stone for improvement.

4. How do you deal with tight deadlines or high-pressure situations?

Stressors are a given, but how people react to them is a choice.

Use this question to understand their stress management strategies and ability to remain productive under pressure.

You want candidates who can keep a level head and deliver quality work, even when the going gets tough.

5. What was your biggest achievement in your last job?

This question allows candidates to showcase their proudest moments. 

It’s an opportunity to hear what they consider significant, the impact of their work, and how they measure success. 

It can also tell you when they’ve gone above & beyond.

6. I hate surprises. Can you tell me something that might go wrong now so I’m not surprised when it happens?

This is a question Simon Sinek asks in every interview and is a far better way of asking, “What are your weaknesses?”.

Instead of asking them to list their flaws, you’re asking them to help you identify potential challenges you’ll have to deal with together.

Because no one willing wants to tell you their flaws, right?

And lastly, remember, the best interviews feel like conversations, not interrogations.