Effective Interview Questions for Hiring Job Candidates: A Top 10 List

1. What do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here?

This question helps to gauge the candidate’s level of interest and familiarity with your company. With the abundance of information available online, it is expected that most candidates have done their research, but that may not always be the case. This question can help you identify who is genuinely interested in working for your company and who is not.

2. What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?

This question helps to evaluate if the candidate has considered how their abilities align with the specific needs of the role and your company. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate how their skills and strengths will benefit your team and contribute to the success of the position.

3. Can you tell me about your current job?

This open-ended question allows the candidate to provide detailed information about their current job and responsibilities. It can help you evaluate their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of their background beyond what is listed on their resume.

4. What could your current company do to be more successful?

This question can help you understand whether the candidate has a broad perspective on their current organization and its opportunities for improvement. It may also provide insight into why they are seeking a new job opportunity.

5. Can you tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a boss or colleague and how you handled the situation?

This question is useful in evaluating the candidate’s conflict resolution skills and approach. It can provide insight into their emotional intelligence and ability to find common ground and handle difficult situations appropriately.

6. Do you work best alone or on a team?

This question helps to determine the candidate’s preference for working independently or as part of a team, which is important to consider when assessing their suitability for the role and the types of assignments they will be expected to handle. It can also provide insight into whether the candidate is well-suited to a role that requires collaboration or multitasking, particularly if the role is remote or in-office.

7. Why are you seeking to leave your current position?

Does the new opportunity address any issues or dissatisfaction you have with your current role, such as lack of professional growth or management issues? If so, please highlight those benefits. However, be mindful of candidates who have unrealistic expectations.

8. Can you tell me how your coworkers would describe you?

This question can provide insight into the candidate’s interpersonal skills and how they may interact with other members of the team. It’s important to consider how the candidate’s strengths align with those of current staff.

9. How would your previous boss describe you?

This can give you an idea of the candidate’s relationship with past managers. Consider characteristics such as reliability, punctuality, and efficiency. Keep in mind that the answer will be based on the candidate’s perception of what their boss may have said. Therefore, it’s crucial to verify the information by checking references and speaking with previous employers.

10. How do you handle the pressure of deadlines?

In technology projects, tight deadlines are common. This question can provide insight into how well the candidate performs under pressure. To gain a better understanding, ask the candidate to give a specific example of how they have managed to keep a project on track despite potential delays. Additionally, if they have faced a situation where they were unable to meet a critical deadline, ask how they handled it.

and lastly:

11. Do you have any questions for me?

This is typically the last question asked in an interview. A good candidate will have a few relevant questions to ask the hiring manager.