As an interviewer, you should always try and ask the right questions. Asking your candidates the right questions increases your chances of finding the right hire sooner. Whereas, asking the wrong questions can turn candidates away. The key is to phrase your question appropriately. You want to sound interested in what they have to say, not like you’re interrogating them or judging their skillset based on one answer. That’s why it’s important that when interviewing someone, all of your questions start with “How” or “What”. These are words that show enthusiasm for the position and help you make a good impression on your interviewee. So next time you get ready for an interview, keep these guidelines in mind and, if possible, practice beforehand so as not to forget any of the questions.
The 3 questions you should never ask during an interview…
…And why shouldn’t you ask them! The basics when asking questions during an interview include keeping questions open-ended, and preferably beginning with “How” or “What”. These will give your interviewee the opportunity to speak freely about their skills, and will help you get a better idea of what they’re truly capable of. With that in mind, here are three questions you should NEVER ask:
1. Where do you see yourself in five years? Asking this question shows you’re not interested in the candidate as a person, just their ability to do the job. Also, it may throw them off and they’ll see your question as if you’re trying to predict how long they plan on working at your company. It’s best to avoid this question.
2. What are your weaknesses? Most people will try to turn their own flaws into strengths, so you’re likely not going to get an honest answer out of the candidate with this line of questioning. Instead, try “What does your ideal work environment look like?” or “What are you looking for in a company?” These questions will encourage the candidate to open up about what they want, rather than how good – or not so good – they are.
3. Do you have any questions for me? This may not seem like a bad question to you, but asking it may make your interviewee feel that if they get the answer wrong, they may reduce their chances of being hired. Instead, ask “What questions do you have for me?” This will encourage the candidate to bring up any questions they may have been holding onto from earlier in the interview and will relieve pressure and encourage a genuine response.
The takeaway
It can be tough to get through an interview, but if you’re also not asking the right questions, it will make your job search even harder. Asking powerful words like “What” and “How” are what you need when interviewing someone. These show enthusiasm for the position and make you sound like you’re enthusiastic about having them work for your company. So when it comes to interviewing, keep these guidelines in mind to ensure successful results.
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As an interviewer, you should always try and ask the right questions. Asking your candidates the right questions increases your chances of finding the right hire sooner. Whereas, asking the wrong questions can turn candidates away. The key is to phrase your question appropriately. You want to sound interested in what they have to say, not like you’re interrogating them or judging their skillset based on one answer. That’s why it’s important that when interviewing someone, all of your questions start with “How” or “What”. These are words that show enthusiasm for the position and help you make a good impression on your interviewee. So next time you get ready for an interview, keep these guidelines in mind and, if possible, practice beforehand so as not to forget any of the questions.
The 3 questions you should never ask during an interview…
…And why shouldn’t you ask them! The basics when asking questions during an interview include keeping questions open-ended, and preferably beginning with “How” or “What”. These will give your interviewee the opportunity to speak freely about their skills, and will help you get a better idea of what they’re truly capable of. With that in mind, here are three questions you should NEVER ask:
1. Where do you see yourself in five years? Asking this question shows you’re not interested in the candidate as a person, just their ability to do the job. Also, it may throw them off and they’ll see your question as if you’re trying to predict how long they plan on working at your company. It’s best to avoid this question.
2. What are your weaknesses? Most people will try to turn their own flaws into strengths, so you’re likely not going to get an honest answer out of the candidate with this line of questioning. Instead, try “What does your ideal work environment look like?” or “What are you looking for in a company?” These questions will encourage the candidate to open up about what they want, rather than how good – or not so good – they are.
3. Do you have any questions for me? This may not seem like a bad question to you, but asking it may make your interviewee feel that if they get the answer wrong, they may reduce their chances of being hired. Instead, ask “What questions do you have for me?” This will encourage the candidate to bring up any questions they may have been holding onto from earlier in the interview and will relieve pressure and encourage a genuine response.
The takeaway
It can be tough to get through an interview, but if you’re also not asking the right questions, it will make your job search even harder. Asking powerful words like “What” and “How” are what you need when interviewing someone. These show enthusiasm for the position and make you sound like you’re enthusiastic about having them work for your company. So when it comes to interviewing, keep these guidelines in mind to ensure successful results.