Conducting an interview is essential for getting to know a candidate, but it goes beyond simply evaluating skills. An interview helps identify the right person who can grow with your team and make a meaningful impact on your organization. To fully understand a candidate’s potential and determine if they’re the best fit for the role, here are three of the most important questions to ask.
1. “What has brought you to apply for this position?”
This common but powerful opening question allows a candidate to reveal their motivations, career goals, and interest in your organization. Often, candidates use this opportunity to highlight the experiences and skills that qualify them for the role. However, by asking why they applied, you gain insights beyond their qualifications—specifically, whether they align with the company’s values, share similar short- and long-term goals, and bring genuine motivation and enthusiasm for the work. This question also helps you gauge if they have specific reasons for wanting to join your team, which can indicate that they’ve researched the role and are truly passionate about contributing to your company.
2. “Can you tell me about a challenging project or problem you faced at work, and how you handled it?”
Asking candidates to describe how they navigated a challenging situation at work provides valuable insights into their skill set, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. It’s an essential question for assessing how they handle pressure and adapt to unexpected obstacles. As they respond, listen for details that reflect key qualities such as:
– Resilience
– Creativity
– Teamwork
– Communication
– Time management
These traits are often what elevate a candidate from being a capable employee to a truly impactful team member.
3. “What are your future goals and how do you plan to achieve them?”
Understanding a candidate’s future goals is essential for assessing their potential growth within the company. It’s important to gauge whether they are looking to develop their career with your organization and envision a long-term role. This question helps you determine if their goals align with the company’s objectives, which can indicate a mutually beneficial fit. Additionally, it reveals whether the candidate has clear and realistic plans for achieving their goals, demonstrating their ambition, professionalism, and self-awareness.
Find your ideal candidate today
With over 50 years of combined staffing expertise, we at Vitus Search Group understand the nuances of the interview process and are dedicated to ensuring a seamless experience for both candidates and clients. We are committed to connecting you with ideal candidates, so that answering these final questions becomes the last step in finding the perfect fit for your team.