If you're on the job hunt, your first goal is to land an interview. With over 40 years’ experience interviewing prospective candidates for roles across over 25 disciplines, we have a deep understanding and insight into typical interview questions that are asked at each stage of the recruitment process. Neither members nor non-members may reproduce such samples in any other way (e.g., to republish in a book or use for a commercial purpose) without SHRM’s permission.
Members may download one copy of our sample forms and templates for your personal use within your organization. Trying to fill positions that may have remained open for many months, managers then whiz through interviews, allowing those with strong resumes who can talk a good game to step into the empty seats. What can you tell me about our company and industry?8. Look for honesty and... 3. For instance, micromanaging workaholics who drive their colleagues crazy may present themselves as meticulous, dedicated workers. Join us June 20-23, 2021 in Chicago for SHRM21! Now is the time for them to re-emphasize why they’re the most logical choice for the opening by asking key questions they’ve prepared and haven’t had a chance to voice. You can talk about … So, depending on the position, don’t automatically count overqualification against a candidate.9. Many talented employees lose their jobs in layoffs, so suppress any desire to stigmatize those who were part of a downsizing. Ask for detailed, specific examples of their workplace interactions with colleagues to get a sense of whether they’re hiding a difficult personality.Savvier candidates will talk about how they’re taking steps to improve themselves. “As you listen to each answer, look for a situational context within which you can judge the individual’s decision-making abilities, decisiveness and ability to work in concert with others,” Falcone says. See if the answer is credible and ties into the new job’s short- and long-term responsibilities. To request permission for specific items, click on the “reuse permissions” button on the page where you find the item.In a tight job market, where a day’s delay can mean the difference between hiring a great candidate and missing out, it can be tempting to pursue applicants primarily because they look promising on paper.In fact, harried recruiters admit that they often cut their part of the interview process short to move potential employees along faster to frustrated hiring managers. And, Enelow says, those who say they performed an undesirable assignment well or who learned something useful show that they can stick with tasks, even ones that don’t particularly interest them.Applicants who prepare well for interviews and are smooth enough not to sound too rehearsed can be thrown by this inquiry since it requires them to talk about something other than work experiences.“When I ask this question, I’m often told by candidates that they’ve never been asked that before,” says Luong Phu, a senior technical recruiter with Auris Surgical Robotics in San Carlos, Calif. “A few struggle and can’t think of an answer, but I often hear terrific responses from some candidates who really showcase their soft skills,” as well as talk about what’s most important to them in their personal lives, he says.Smart interviewees who might technically be underqualified focus on the experiences and skill sets they’ll bring to the position and the value they’ll deliver. Please note that all such forms and policies should be reviewed by your legal counsel for compliance with applicable law, and should be modified to suit your organization’s culture, industry, and practices. It's open ended. Of course, applicants who can refocus the discussion to how their skill set matches the current position are ready for the next question.This is an interviewing stalwart (along with the next question) that every applicant should be ready to hit out of the park. Can you tell me a little about yourself? Work closely with hiring managers to develop these questions, and dive into the details needed to distinguish the finalists from the others.“Working through a detailed list of solid questions will help you identify candidates who have a positive attitude, are competent and confident, and have a calmness under fire, which demonstrates that they can handle whatever emerges on the job,” Enelow says. Applicants now have the option to test from home.Find news & resources on specialized workplace topics. Those who want to learn more about the company’s professional development opportunities or ask what you personally like best about working there are looking for insights to help them decide whether to accept an offer if it’s extended.Too many recruiters have been lured into thinking that a candidate who fared well in an interview is ready to take the job. “But it becomes super problematic if that side story goes on for two or three minutes,” Falcone says.
While there is no guarantee on the exact questions you will be asked, having prepared answers to common questions will enable you to construct more elaborate responses to any similar questions you may face. Many interviewers start this way not only to gather information but also as... 2. However, this is a question that often leads to lengthy explanations that can offer real insights into a person’s true motivations, good and bad, for seeking the job, Enelow says.Conversely, as highly qualified Baby Boomers age, it’s not uncommon for them to seek a position with lesser responsibilities where they can be a strong team player and a mentor to younger employees.