15 Great Informal Interview Questions and Answers to Help You Select the Right Candidate
As an employer, when it comes to hiring candidates, you want to find the right fit for your company. With the labor market becoming more competitive and candidates applying for multiple jobs, it’s crucial to ask the right questions during the interview process that will help you distinguish the best candidates. It’s important to ask not only about their skills and experience but also their soft skills and personality traits. To help you with the interviewing process, here are 15 great informal interview questions and answers that can help you select the right candidate.
1. Tell me about a time when you showed initiative and took the lead in a project?
This question will help you determine if the candidate is self-motivated and a self-starter. It also helps identify how the candidate handles challenges and brings creativity to the table. An excellent answer might be:
“I was in charge of organizing a charity event for my former employer, and there wasn’t a lot of money to work with. I wanted to make the event successful, so I reached out to local media to amplify the message. I also utilized my social media skills to promote the event and increase attendance. The event was a huge success.”
2. Describe a time when you disagreed with your colleague or supervisor, and how did you handle it?
This question will help you determine how the candidate handles conflict within a team. It also helps identify their communication and negotiation skills. A great answer might be:
“My senior colleagues had a different opinion on how to execute a marketing campaign, and I disagreed with their approach. Instead of confronting them, I took the initiative to gather data to support my argument. I scheduled a meeting with them and presented my findings, and we were able to come to a compromise that worked for everyone.”
3. How do you deal with a difficult colleague?
This question will help you determine the candidate’s ability to handle workplace conflicts diplomatically. It also highlights their communication and problem-solving skills. An ideal answer might be:
“I would try to understand their perspective and why they are acting the way they are. I would communicate calmly and professionally to address the issue, and if it’s not resolved, I would bring it to the attention of the supervisor or HR department to find a resolution to avoid the situation escalating.”
4. Give an example of how you handle a tight deadline?
This question will help you determine how the candidate works under pressure. It also identifies their time management and prioritization skills. An excellent answer might be:
“I was given two days to complete a project that usually takes a week. I put in longer hours and, with excellent time management, I was able to turn in the completed project a day ahead of schedule. My supervisor was pleased with my commitment and the quality of my work.”
5. What’s your definition of success?
This question will help you understand the candidate’s goals and what motivates them to excel. It also helps identify their vision and ability to think critically. An impressive answer might be:
“I believe success is a combination of personal and professional achievements. It’s about accomplishing goals and following a purpose. Success is not just about reaching the summit, but it’s also about enjoying the journey.”
6. How do you handle constructive feedback?
This question will help you understand the candidate’s openness to feedback and how they respond to criticism. It also highlights their ability to learn and grow. An ideal answer might be:
“I welcome constructive feedback as it helps me learn and grow. I see feedback as a way to improve my skills and performance and to become better at what I do. I take constructive feedback seriously and look for ways to apply it to my work.”
7. How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks?
This question will help you understand the candidate’s organizational and prioritization skills. It also highlights their time management abilities. A great answer might be:
“I keep a to-do list and prioritize my tasks based on their deadlines and importance. I also use a calendar to keep track of meetings and appointments. I regularly review my progress and evaluate any areas of inefficiency, which I strive to improve upon.”
8. How do you deal with last-minute changes to a project?
This question will help you determine the candidate’s flexibility and adaptability to unexpected changes in a project. It also highlights their ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions. An excellent answer might be:
“I find that last-minute changes are a natural part of any project, and I don’t let them derail me. I try to evaluate the change and determine its impact on the project’s timeline and budget. I then make any necessary adjustments and communicate the changes to my supervisor and team members.”
9. What’s your leadership style?
This question will help you understand the candidate’s leadership skills and style. It also helps identify how they communicate and motivate their team members. An ideal answer might be:
“I believe in leading by example and empowering my team to take ownership of their work. I encourage open communication and collaboration and create an environment where ideas are freely shared. I strive to provide guidance and constructive feedback to help my team members grow and develop professionally.”
10. How do you handle stress?
This question will help you determine the candidate’s stress management skills. It also highlights their emotional intelligence and self-awareness. An impressive answer might be:
“I prioritize self-care to manage stress, such as practicing meditation, taking breaks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I also communicate with my team members and supervisor when I feel overwhelmed and ask for assistance when needed.”
11. What’s your biggest accomplishment, and why is it important?
This question will help you determine the candidate’s proudest achievement and what drives them. It also highlights their confidence and ability to reflect on their work. A great answer might be:
“My proudest achievement is being able to lead a team of employees to complete a project that had stumped previous teams. I’m proud of this achievement because I was able to bring out the best in my team and foster an environment of creativity and collaboration.”
12. What are your future goals?
This question will help you understand the candidate’s career aspirations and if they align with the company’s goals. It also highlights their ambition and ability to set goals. An excellent answer might be:
“Ultimately, I want to continue growing and developing as a professional. My short-term goal is to excel in my current position and contribute towards the company’s success. In the long-term, I want to take on leadership roles and work towards making a meaningful impact within the company.”
13. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and what you learned from it?
This question will help you determine the candidate’s ability to take ownership of their mistakes and learn from them. It also highlights their integrity and ability to reflect. An ideal answer might be:
“I once made an error that resulted in a delayed project completion. I learned that communication is key, and I should have reached out to my supervisor sooner to identify the issue and look for a resolution. This mistake made me realize the importance of timely communication and teamwork.”
14. What’s your experience working with others from diverse backgrounds?
This question will help you determine the candidate’s ability to work with a diverse workforce. It also highlights their understanding of cultural differences and their ability to work collaboratively. An impressive answer might be:
“I have experience working in teams with a diverse background, and I value the different perspectives they bring to the table. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. I enjoy collaborating with team members with various backgrounds because it creates a dynamic and rich work experience.”
15. Why do you want to work for our company?
This question will help you understand the candidate’s motivation for applying to your company. It also highlights their research skills and passion for the industry. A great answer might be:
“I’m impressed by the company’s mission and values and the work it does in the industry. Your reputation for innovation and excellence is inspiring, and the opportunity to grow and develop professionally within such a dynamic environment excites me. I’m excited about this opportunity and believe that I’d be a great fit for this company.”
Conclusion
Asking the right questions during an interview process is critical to choosing the right candidate. These 15 questions and answers will help you select candidates with the right skills, motivation, and attitude to excel in their roles. By using these questions, you’ll gain insight into how potential employees think, solve problems, and handle stressful situations. Remember to tailor the interview questions to your company’s specific needs and culture to find the best fit.
