Questions to Ask at an Employee Interview

What is Your Preferred Working Style?

Asking a potential job candidate to describe their preferred working style can help you get an idea of how they handle their work environment and tasks. Do they prefer to work independently or in a team setting? Do they like to work in an environment where they can get creative, or one that offers structure and guidance? Asking this type of question can help you understand how the candidate will fit into your company’s existing culture.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This question is one of the most common questions asked at job interviews, and it’s important to understand how the candidate views themselves. Do they have an accurate assessment of their strengths and weaknesses? Are they willing to learn and grow in their role? Are they humble about their accomplishments, or do they struggle with taking credit for their successes? Asking this type of question can help you get an insight into the candidate’s self-awareness.

What Interests You About this Role?

Asking a potential job candidate why they are interested in the role can help you understand how the job fits into their overall career plan. Is the role an opportunity for them to grow, or are they simply looking for a new challenge? Are they interested in the work itself or the potential for advancement? Understanding the candidate’s motivation can help you determine if they are the right fit for the position.

How Do You Handle Conflict?

Conflict is an inevitable part of the workplace, and it’s important to know how a potential candidate handles it. Do they prefer to avoid it altogether, or do they attempt to find a resolution? Are they willing to compromise, or do they prefer to stand their ground? Knowing how a candidate handles conflict can help you determine if they are a good fit for the role.

Describe a Difficult Situation You’ve Faced at Work

Asking a potential job candidate to describe a difficult situation they faced at work can help you understand how they handle stress and pressure. Do they rise to the challenge, or do they shy away from it? Do they work to find a solution, or do they become overwhelmed and give up? Asking this type of question can help you understand how the candidate handles difficult situations.

What Have You Learned From Previous Jobs?

Asking a job candidate to describe what they have learned from previous positions can help you understand how they view the work they do. Do they take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from them, or do they try to deflect blame? Do they have a desire to improve and grow, or do they become complacent in their roles? Asking this type of question can give you an insight into the candidate’s attitude and motivation.

How Do You Handle Change?

Change is an inevitable part of the workplace, and it’s important to understand how a potential candidate handles it. Do they embrace change, or do they struggle to adjust to new situations? Are they able to adapt quickly, or do they need more time to process the change? Understanding how the candidate handles change can help you determine if they are the right fit for the position.

What Are Your Long-Term Goals?

Asking a potential job candidate about their long-term goals can help you understand how they view their career path. Do they have a clear vision of where they want to go, or are they more focused on short-term goals? Are they interested in staying with the company for the long haul, or are they looking for a short-term opportunity? Knowing the candidate’s long-term goals can help you determine if they are a good fit for the role.

Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

Asking a potential job candidate if they have any questions can help you understand their level of interest and engagement. Do they have a clear understanding of the role and what it entails? Are they curious about the company’s culture and values? Are they eager to learn more about the position and the team? Asking this type of question can help you understand how the candidate views the role and the company.