WE HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FOR YOU

Last week, we featured a blog discussing the importance of preparing for an interview by bringing questions for the interviewer. In that piece, I discussed the importance of having interviews being a “two-way street.” As cliché as that sounds it’s crucial to a satisfying and long-term employment with a company.

Here are a few questions to help interviewers figure out if a candidate is a fit:

1. How do will your current skills contribute to the company’s goals and mission?

The interviewee’s answer to this question shows what they consider is their greatest strength and how they will align their assets to the beliefs of your company. It also gives insight into whether they have done their due diligence and researched your company prior to the interview.

2. Can you tell me about an experience that helped you grow as a leader?

Whether a candidate is interested in a senior or entry-level position, they’ll need to use leadership to grow in their career and better the company. Behavioral-based interviewing questions (such as “tell me about a time when…”) also tend to lead to more truthful, specific answers.  

3. Why are you leaving your current position? Or what did you like least about your old job?

You should determine if the interviewee is going to be happy in the available position in your company. If the thing they liked least about their last job is still going to be an issue in your company, it’s probably not going to be a good fit. Everyone experiences times when work issues can trigger a decision to change jobs, but it’s important to see how candidates explain that to a potential employer. 

4. What do you want from your next career move?

This question helps an interviewer see the incentive behind the candidates next step. Are they looking for growth, a new opportunity, etc.?  The interviewer is looking to ensure the position will fit what the interviewee is looking for.

5. What kind of company culture and environment are you looking for?

A big part of the modern work force is making sure an employee will fit in with the company culture and with their co-workers. Asking this allows the interviewee to open up about environments where they knowingly thrive and ensures they will benefit from the company as much as the company benefits from them.

As interviewers, we should treat interviews like a conversation; a back and forth exchange to see whether or not the candidate is a good fit for the position, and if the company is a good fit for the candidate. As Kingsgate grows, this has become crucial. We are looking for employees who will enjoy contributing to Kingsgate and are also looking to invest in their own professional growth.

All the Best,

Jeff Beckham