Finding the right candidate for your position can been tough. If you’re in HR or if you’re responsible for hiring for open jobs, you know that it can be difficult to find an applicant who meets all of your criteria and is also a good fit for the company. Fortunately, the interview gives you a great opportunity to learn more about a potential candidate to make an informed decision about whether he or she would be right for the job. Make sure you get the most out of your interview by asking the right questions. 

“Tell me about yourself.” 

For many candidates, this can seem like a dreaded question. It’s so open-ended, it’s hard to know where to start. This is also a reason it can be a great question to provide insight to the person you’re interviewing. Not only do you learn a little about the candidate, but you also discover what this person believes to be important. Does the applicant mention employment? Family? Hobbies? Also, a broad question like this can help you gather more about the person’s communication skills. How well does he or she put together a response? Is it thoughtful and articulate?  

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?” 

This interview question is also popular for a reason. The answer gives you valuable information about the candidate, and how well they will fit into the position. If the applicant says that he or she is very persuasive, but the job is mostly behind a desk and doesn’t have much to do with sales, that particular strength may not be important. Not only will you get great information from this question, but it also shows the candidate’s self-awareness. Is he or she prepared to answer the question truthfully? Many people have trouble honestly evaluating themselves. 

“What do you look for in a boss/coworkers/work environment?” 

Asking a candidate exactly what scenario they will perform best in will help you decide if your company culture will be a good match. Typically, the hiring manager is one of the only people who are in the position of knowing both the applicant as well as the company. While you may be able to describe what the work environment and culture is like to a certain extent, it might be more valuable to get input from the person you’re interviewing. Does he or she need a lot of structure at work? Does this fit in with how your business operates? 

The questions you ask may vary depending on your company culture, the position you’re hiring for, and what your priorities are for candidates. Regardless of what specific questions you choose to ask during your interview, make sure you’re consistent. If you’re meeting with multiple applicants, be sure to ask them all the same questions. This will ensure that you’re making a fair decision, using the same criteria to choose the person who’s the best fit. For help with interviewing or other staffing needs, contact your local Penmac Staffing office.