There are a number of traditional questions an interviewer is expected to ask and which an interviewee should be expected to answer.
Unfortunately, some of these are often vague and involve a rehearsed response.
Q: “We’ve discussed your strengths. Now, what would you say are your weaknesses?”
A: “Well, uhh, I’m a perfectionist. I work too hard sometimes. I guess those can be a weaknesses…”
So in order to hire right, an interviewer must ask some great leading questions. Sometimes the questions that have faced the test of time can actually prove to be useful. In a post over at Career Hub, the author lists a number of traditional, key questions which ideally should extract very specific and relevant answers from an interviewee.
Below are two such questions.
- “Where do you see yourself in one year, five years, ten years?” This question really can provide the interviewer with incredible insight. It gives them an idea about not only how the applicant will do in filling the current opening but how they can extend their career in the organization. It also prompts a level of honesty. Does this candidate see themselves really working for your company ten years from now? No, and they likely should not answer like that. A relevant answer could exhibit their personal and professional foresight as as well as passion and finer interests within the industry. Do their interests match the interests of the open position?
- “How, specifically, will you contribute to our organization?” This really gets at their work ethic, their ability to interact with others, their knowledge and research of your organization, their actual interest in your organization and industry, etc. It also, from the mouth of the interviewee, can respond to the implied thoughts, “what will you do for us, exactly, that goes beyond our minimum expectations?” and “why are those contributions, in particular, valuable?” This also can establish grounds for greater discussion during an interview surrounding the open position’s regular assignments or tasks.