What are the best interview questions to ask a candidate as an employer?

Interviewing a candidate for your business can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to gauge what questions to ask to get the most out of the interview if you’ve not done one before. It’s important to focus on several factors such as skills, cultural fit, and potential for the future.

Here are some of the best questions for an employer to ask during an interview to assess a candidate's suitability for the role:

1. Can you tell me about a time when you faced a major challenge at work? How did you handle it?

• Purpose: Assess problem-solving skills, resilience, and how they perform under pressure.

2. Why are you interested in this role and what makes you a good fit for our company?

• Purpose: Gauge motivation for the role and understanding of the company culture and values.

3. Can you describe a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of?

• Purpose: Understand the candidate’s key achievements and how they define success.

4. How do you prioritise tasks when you have tight deadlines or conflicting priorities?

• Purpose: Assess time management, organisational skills, and ability to work under pressure.

5. Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team. What was your role and how did you contribute?

• Purpose: Determine teamwork abilities and how they collaborate with others.

6. How do you stay updated on industry trends and continue developing your skills?

• Purpose: Evaluate a candidate’s commitment to professional growth and staying current with industry knowledge.

7. What kind of work environment do you thrive in, and what are your preferences for management style?

• Purpose: Assess whether the candidate’s preferred work environment aligns with your company culture.

8. Tell me about a time when you had to give or receive constructive feedback. How did you handle it?

• Purpose: Explore communication skills, emotional intelligence, and openness to feedback.

9. What are your short- and long-term career goals, and how does this position fit into those plans?

• Purpose: Understand career aspirations and how this role aligns with the candidate’s goals.

10. Do you have any questions for us?

• Purpose: Measure the candidate’s genuine interest in the company and their desire to understand the role better.

These questions help uncover not only a candidate's skills and experience, but also their mindset, attitude, and potential for growth within your organisation.

If you’re looking for your next staff member and need a helping hand in the recruitment process, get in touch with one of our recruitment experts at Bennett & Game Recruitment and we would be happy to assist you.