A GREAT INTERVIEW IS GAUGED by the contents that are derived from it. The interviewer has to be well prepared to make it possible. Sometimes, a nervous interviewer can fail to deliver the expectations of the interview. To make the process easier, you should prepare the questions way in advance. The background research about the applicant should be carried out in advance as well. With time, one develops a good niche for asking the right questions. The basic tip about the questions is to avoid closed-ended ones. If you get a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, it won’t offer you any insight into the knowledge and personality of the applicant.
Here are some examples that you can use to create good questions for an interview:
- Ask the applicant to tell you a bit about themselves and what makes their personality unique. They will be thrown off a bit as the question is more about them personally than the position for which they’re applying, but that’s okay; that’s the idea. Typically, from the answer that you’re given, you’re able to come up with even more questions, or have a better idea how to ask the ones you’ve prepared. You should be specific about the details that you want and don’t be afraid to ask the same question in a different way in order to get to the root of the information you want.
- The questions should have a consistent flow. You should ask questions that are related within the same timeframe. By asking about college, then family, then college again, it can make the interview confusing and seem more like an interrogation. By moving through the questions chronologically, you can help the applicant develop a flowing wave of thought. Your questions will be effectively and honestly answered this way.
- The questions should be asked according to the job description. If it is an interview for a management position, the questions have to be well chosen and weigh heavily on experience and actions taken during a crisis or time of stress. It is one way to ensure that the content of interview remains in context, while identifying the most important traits and qualities of the applicant.
- The questions should empower the applicant to be open and honest in order to bring out conclusive results. You should encourage the applicant to answer the questions candidly as this helps to create a relaxed and comfortable environment.
