Top 10 Most Telling Interview Questions and Why You Should Ask Them

Interviewing is a challenging process for both companies and candidates. It is crucial to ask the right questions to ensure that you hire individuals who not only fit the culture but also have the potential to excel and push the boundaries of the team and their role.

Numerous studies have emphasized the significance of soft skills in determining the success of employees in the long run. Therefore, it is vital to identify candidates who possess the necessary job skills while also demonstrating the potential to exceed expectations from day one.?

By including these 10 questions in your interview process, you will enhance your ability to identify candidates who exhibit self-awareness, empathy, the ability to perform specific tasks, strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and a genuine enthusiasm for fostering positive relationships.?

The most telling interview questions:

"Can you describe a situation where you had to navigate a difficult interaction with a coworker or client? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?"

This question assesses a candidate's ability to handle emotions in challenging situations, manage conflicts constructively, and find favorable resolutions.

"Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback. What was the feedback, how did you react, and what steps did you take to address the feedback?"

This question explores a candidate's ability to receive feedback openly, manage their emotions effectively, and make positive changes based on the feedback received.

"How do you handle stress and pressure in the workplace? Can you provide an example of a time when you managed a high-pressure situation effectively?"

This question helps evaluate a candidate's self-awareness, stress management skills, and ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions in stressful environments.

"Tell me about a time when you successfully influenced or motivated others to achieve a common goal. How did you approach the situation?"

This question explores a candidate's ability to understand and respond to the emotions and motivations of others, and their skill in inspiring and influencing individuals or teams.

“Can you describe a situation where you stepped outside of your comfort zone to learn something new or take on a task that was unfamiliar to you?"

This question assesses the candidates' desire to embrace learning. Upskilling and reskilling are being adopted more and more by leading companies to create a learning culture. It can cultivate an environment where the team motivates and pushes each other to a higher level of success.?

“Describe a time when you had to handle multiple tasks or projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your time?"

This question allows you to see how well a person manages their time. For most companies that do not micromanage, this is a crucial skill you need people to possess on their own. Otherwise, this will be added to your plate to make sure projects don’t slip.?

"Can you provide an example of a time when you took on a leadership role or demonstrated initiative without being explicitly asked to do so?"

This question helps evaluate a candidate's proactivity, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to take ownership and drive results, even when it is not explicitly expected. Leading at all levels is a highly desired soft skill.

“Why do you feel it’s time to leave your current company?”

This question will show you if someone can keep it positive and real. It’s not an easy thing to do. At the same time, it’s a good way to see what this person deems as a dealbreaker. It helps set the scene on if this person will be a culture add.?

“What does diversity and inclusion mean to you and what programs are you hoping to have here?”?

This question really digs into if a person values DEIB as much as your organization does. While also being able to understand who this person is and what can make them feel included.?

"Can you share an example of a time when you recognized your own emotions and adjusted your behavior accordingly?"

This question evaluates a candidate's self-awareness and their ability to manage their own emotions effectively in order to maintain positive relationships and achieve desired outcomes.

By incorporating both soft and hard skill questions into the interview process, you can create a thriving and inclusive work environment. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, allowing you to assess their ability to contribute to the team's success.?

What questions will you add to your process? Which ones did you already have included??