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When hiring new staff it’s important to ask the right questions to get the most accurate information about the candidate. While some interview questions are common, others depend on the role you are hiring for. In this blog post we will discuss:
How to decide what questions to ask
The most important questions to ask
Questions to avoid asking in a job interview
The importance of asking the right questions in a job interview Many hiring managers make the mistake of asking the wrong questions in a job interview. This can lead to making the wrong decision when hiring new staff, and can cost the business time and money.
By thinking about the qualities and characteristics you're looking for in a new hire, you can develop a more targeted and effective recruiting strategy.
It will also allow you to interview all of your applicants fairly as each of them will have been asked the same questions and therefore you will have like for like information to compare against. How to determine what the right questions are when hiring staff The key to asking the right questions is to first understand what you're looking for in a new employee. What are your goals and objectives for the role? What are the essential skills and experience required? Then ask yourself WHY?! This will also ensure you are clear yourself in what you are seeking in an employee. Once you have a clear picture of what you're looking for, you can craft questions that will help you find the best candidate for the role. Asking open-ended questions that require candidates to provide specific answers is a great way to get a sense of their skills and experience. And, don't be afraid to ask tough questions that will help you assess whether a candidate is a good fit for your business. However, it's important to remember that you should always be flexible and ready to adapt to the circumstances. You never know what talent might walk through your door, so it's important to be prepared for anything. What kind of questions you should avoid asking in an interview There are a few questions you should avoid asking in a job interview. For one, steer clear of anything that's illegal—like questions about a candidate's age, race or religion. You also don't want to ask anything that could be interpreted as discriminatory. Beyond that, try to stick to questions that are relevant to the role you're hiring for.
Steer clear of personal questions and keep the focus on the candidate's skills and experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll make sure your interview process is fair and professional.
How to ask follow-up interview questions It's important to have a set of questions ready to ask all your applicants. But don't stop there. If you're not sure about a candidate, or if they've given an answer that you're not sure about, don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions. This is your chance to get more information and really assess whether or not this person is a good fit for the job. Make sure your questions are relevant to the role they're applying for, and try not to be too personal. Keep things professional and you'll be able to get all the information you need. How to assess the interview answers you get After you've asked your questions, it's time to assess the answers. Sometimes you'll know right away if the applicant is a good fit for the job, and other times you might need to mull it over. Here are a few things to keep in mind when assessing answers:
Do they have the skills and experience required for the job?
Can they do the job well?
Are they a good cultural fit for your company?
Do their values align with your company's values?
Can they grow with your company?
Are they honest and truthful?
Did they raise any red flags?
It's important to consider all of these factors when making a decision about whether or not to hire an applicant.
Conclusion: A job interview is a critical part of the hiring process, and the questions you ask can have a huge impact on the decision you make. By asking the right questions, you can gain important insights into the potential employee's qualifications, experience, and fit for the role. However, it's important to be aware of the types of questions that are off-limits, as well as the risks of asking follow-up questions. With the right preparation and understanding of what to look for, you can confidently ask the right questions and make the best decision for your business. If this is something you feel you need support on, take a look at take a look at how we can help you in enhancing your skills in this area.