Interviewing candidates for a new role can be a challenging step in the hiring process. Some roles are best fulfilled with freelance work, but others require a full-time, dedicated team member. When interviewing, those who are versed in communication and able to articulate themselves may come across as more qualified than their actual experience, while some interviewees are less comfortable in high-pressure situations and are poor advocates for their abilities. By asking unique questions that allow a candidate to be creative with their answers, you can understand some underlying messages that don't always come across with traditional questions like where do you see yourself in five years, or what are your strengths and weaknesses?
During your next interview, add a few unique inquiries to your list. If you're stuck on what to ask, try these thoughtful questions:
If you could work in a totally different field, regardless of your experience, what would it be and why?
This type of question allows the interviewee a chance to expand their reach outside of the role or industry they currently work in and demonstrate independent interests and passions. This can indicate a preference for creative tasks, technical skills, or even people management. Since the role you are hiring for may include non-traditional duties, this question can help determine if a candidate has the flexibility to move outside of their box.
What brand or product describes you best, and why?
While this question may require some time, it can be a great indicator of how someone views their strengths. It can also show what their priorities are when it comes to a job. If someone chooses a large, well-known tech company, they may see themselves as big thinkers who enjoy high-profile responsibilities. If they choose something smaller and independent, they may value a customer-centric approach in their work or strong attention to detail and personalized services.
What are the top two or three qualifications for this position that you think are the most important?
This question will give a candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their research of the role and how well they understand the position. It can also show their ability to make a judgment call based on limited information, prioritize important tasks, and think on their feet. Their answers may not match what you would choose, but instead, pay attention to how they respond and how they explain their choices. This thought process will help you understand their honest point of view, even at a surface level.
What is one suggestion that you think will improve our current business?
This question is another method of testing a candidate's understanding of the business. Even without proprietary knowledge, a forward-thinker will be able to identify different things that they see from an outside perspective. If they touch on something that is currently being worked on internally, this shows that they are a good problem solver. If it's something entirely new, you can gauge their creative brainstorming.
What is one skill that you want to learn and have zero knowledge about?
When asked this question, a candidate has the chance to demonstrate an interest that may support the role they are applying for if given the resources. It may also be completely irrelevant to the position, but it will frame their mindset in a way that you can deduce an underlying message. It can also indicate a weakness in an area that they wish to improve upon. For example, if someone lacks efficiency, they may be interested in project management skills. If they choose something creative, they could be interested in ideation and problem-solving.
Expanding your team is a positive step in the growth of your business, so be sure to make the best decisions you can during your next hiring process. If you're looking for a professional fully-serviced office to house your company, Sentinel Business Centres offers a wide range of commercial spaces that can be customized to teams of any size. For more information about how we can help you grow your team, please contact a member of our staff.