I wanted to add some thoughts on Questions Great Candidates Ask in interviews“, so figured I better give some of my favorite questions! Most are predictable, like “Why did the previous job holder leave?” And, “job holder”? Really??!
Here are 3 questions only AWESOME candidates ask:
#1) Why should I leave a job I love to come over here? This question says, I’m a passive candidate and you’re going to have to really convince me to even continue in the interview process. It is also asking for transparency.
#2) What would my priorities be for the first 6-12 months? Your candidate is intrigued. He/She is now looking for detail about what their 1st year would look like. It’s also a question to test if you (hiring manager) have really thought through your priorities and expectations of the role.
#3) What do you tell your mom/spouse/best friend about why you love working here AND what happened on your worst day here? OK, so yes, this is two questions in one. It’s also the culture question. It’s also the real question – the one where the candidate wants to see if you can get out of interview mode and get gritty. This is where the candidate not only learns about the culture but your style and how you handle the good and the bad. It’s probing, shows interest and indicates they want to know the cool stuff and the not so cool stuff about your culture.
You know you’re in an enhanced interview when there is actual dialogue – give and take.In order to pull top talent out of their current company you not only have to be prepared to ask compelling questions… but perhaps more importantly assess the types of questions you’re being asked by the candidate and give meaningful answers.
