Interviewing prospective candidates? Ask these questions!

When interviewing possible recruits for open positions it is important to ask meaningful questions, as often there is not time to ask many questions in first interviews.  If the correct questions are not asked within the allotted amount of interview time, enough information to make the proper decision may not be gleaned from the interview subject. 

I feel the most important questions to ask during an effective interview would be Primary questions, Follow-up questions and Closed questions.

           

Primary questions are asked at the beginning of the interview to determine in which direction the interview will go. These questions determine the focal point of the interview and are “designed to cover the subject comprehensively, and should be based on your background research” (Hybels & Weaver, 2007).  It would be important to use these questions to focus the interview and to keep it on track.

           

Additionally Follow-up questions would be asked as an addendum to the primary questions. These questions hone the focus of the interview even further and “lead into such interesting areas that interviewers get information they hadn’t planned on” (Hybels & Weaver, 2007).  They are generally inspired as a result of answers garnered from previously asked Primary questions.

          

Finally, I would conclude the interview with Closed questions.  They help the interviewer extract direct answers to straightforward questions like: what is your desired salary, what hours do you prefer and, are you looking for a job or a career?  I generally use Closed questions to terminate the interview.  By this point the bulk of the interview is over and “business” questions can be asked to determine the interviewee’s aspirations.  This is particularly useful when interviewing someone extremely qualified for a position.  Rather than extending an employment offer to this person and being denied due to a low salary bid, a Closed question can be asked during the interview to clarify the interviewee’s salary intent. 

Hybels, S. & Weaver, R.L. (2007). Communicating effectively (8th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Custom Printing.