Recently, I described the ideal employee candidate as humble, honest, hungry, and smart. I represented this as a sort of formula: “H3S.” In that post I promised to write a follow-up, providing a list of interview questions.
This list is just a start. I plan to keep working on it. If you have suggestions for other questions, please share them in the Comments section. (If you are reading this post via e-mail, you will have to actually visit my blog and scroll down to the comments section.)
- How do feel about this opportunity?
- What work experiences have you had that prepare you to be successful in this position?
- What do you see as your three greatest strengths?
- What do you think is your biggest weakness?
- How do you learn best? How would you describe your learning style?
- You’ve obviously accomplished a great deal. To what do you attribute that success?
- We all make mistakes. When you discover that you have made one, how do you handle it?
Honest
- Do you think that telling a “white lie” is ever justified “for the greater good”?
- If things go wrong with a project, what obligation if any do you feel compelled to share with your boss?
- If someone else has wronged you in some way, how do you deal with the situation?
- Can you tell me about a recent situation where you had to share bad news with someone? How did you handle it?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make good on a commitment that you wished you hadn’t made?
Hungry
- Are you satisfied with what you have accomplished in your life so far?
- Where do you see yourself in three years?
- What are your biggest personal or career goals?
- Would you consider yourself a reader? What kinds of things do you like to read?
- What was the last book you have read? What are you reading now?
- How do you make sure that you follow-up on your assignments? Do you have a system?
- How do you typically prepare for meetings?
Smart
- How well did you do in school? If you had to do it over again, how would you have done it differently?
- What do you wish they had taught you in school that they didn’t?
- Do you consider yourself a smart person? If so, why?
- What’s your general approach to problem-solving?
- How would you describe your learning style?
- What are some of your interests outside of work?
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Mike: One of the questions I like to ask is, “If we were to hire you and I were to walk into (a supervisor’s name)’s office in six months and say, ‘I am really glad we hired (name of candidate). He/she has made a great contribution to this division because . . . ‘ how would I finish the sentence?”
Larry Stone
The honest section is great. This should bring out great discussions. I have not used these types of questions but will in the future.
Michael,
One of my favorite, and most effective interview questions is “If I hire you, what will I have to put up with”. At first, the candidates sit stunned, but in reality, it’s a great question that offers some unique insight into the personality sitting across the table.
Great comments. I particularly like your question, Larry.
Great q’s Mike,
Wonder how would you be answering the first two H sections?
Best,
Mani