10 Informal Interview Questions to Ask to Get to Know Your Candidate

10 Informal Interview Questions to Ask to Get to Know Your Candidate

As a recruiter or hiring manager, it’s important to ensure you pick the right candidate for a vacancy. While their resume and technical expertise might meet your requirements, it’s equally important to assess whether they are a good fit for your company culture. One way to do this is by asking informal interview questions that provide insight into the candidate’s personality, values, and interests. These questions can also help you build rapport and make the candidate feel more comfortable during the interview. Here are ten informal interview questions to ask during your hiring process:

1. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

This question can help you better understand the candidate’s passions and hobbies. It also shows that you are interested in their personal life and not just their professional achievements. Their answer can give you insight into their priorities, such as whether they prioritize work-life balance, creativity, or personal development.

2. Can you describe a time when you had to solve a problem creatively?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to solve problems in unique and innovative ways. It can also provide insight into their problem-solving approach, such as whether they prefer to work collaboratively or independently, and whether they are persistent and determined in overcoming challenges.

3. What motivates you to come to work every day?

This question helps you understand the candidate’s core motivators, such as a sense of purpose, achievement, or recognition. It can also shed light on their career aspirations and long-term goals.

4. Have you ever failed at something and how did you handle it?

This question can provide insight into the candidate’s resilience and ability to learn from mistakes. It can also help you assess their level of accountability, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

5. What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?

This question helps you gauge the candidate’s level of self-awareness and confidence. It can also provide insight into their values and priorities, such as whether they value teamwork, achievement, or recognition.

6. Can you describe a time when you had to work with someone you didn’t get along with?

This question assesses the candidate’s interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Their answer can give you insight into how they handle conflict resolution, communication, and empathy.

7. What is your favorite book/movie/song and why?

This question can help you better understand the candidate’s personality, interests, and cultural background. It can also provide insight into their communication and storytelling skills.

8. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

This question is a fun and creative way to assess the candidate’s imagination, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. It can also provide insight into their sense of humor and ability to think outside the box.

9. Can you describe a time when you disagreed with your supervisor and how did you handle it?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively and constructively. It can also provide insight into their level of autonomy, confidence, and respect for authority.

10. What do you hope to achieve in your next role?

This question helps you gauge the candidate’s career aspirations and long-term goals. It can also provide insight into their motivation, skill set, and alignment with your company’s vision and values.

In conclusion, asking informal interview questions can help you assess the candidate’s personality, values, and interests. It can also help you build rapport and make the candidate feel more comfortable during the interview. These ten questions can provide valuable insight into your potential candidate and assist in making the right hiring decision.

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