Overview
You’ve probably studied common interview questions. Rehearsed them. Answered them. Asked them. But what good does it do asking the same questions as everyone else, where interviewees have memorized their canned responses they think you want to hear? It might seem a little mean, but in my experience, you can learn a lot more by asking questions that interviewees aren’t prepared for. The kind that requires them to think and answer honestly. When you mix them in with some of the standard questions, you can easily tell when the answers aren’t consistent, and that’s usually a red flag!
In this article, we’ll discuss ten epic interview questions that I’ve used to gauge the ability to think, connect, and execute. They help you assess attitude, personality, and teachability – traits that are difficult to teach. Read on to learn the questions, why they are worth using, and some example responses. With the growth in tasks that can be automated with AI, the ability to think and connect will be is crucial. And at the end of the day, the ability to execute is always important!
The Questions
1. How would you describe yourself in just one word – and why?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- You get honest, genuine answers
- You understand what’s important to them
- You can see their maturity in self-reflection
Good responses:
- Passionate, Curious, Resourceful
- Determined, Logical, Coachable
- Anything aligning with your core values
2. Which of these is most important – accuracy, timeliness, or relevance – and why?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- You get honest, genuine answers
- You understand what’s important to them
- You can see their maturity in self-reflection
Good responses:
- Passionate, Curious, Resourceful
- Determined, Logical, Coachable
- Anything aligning with your core values
3. What is the most important thing you would do in your first 90 days – and why?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Their willingness to work/align with others
- Their ability to prioritize
- Their desire to continuously learn
Good responses:
- Establish relationships
- Identify priorities
- Learn toolset and processes
4. Tell me about a time you showed warm hospitality.
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Their ability to empathize
- Their ability to provide exceptional service
- Their ability to strengthen culture
Good responses:
- Cared for a loved one
- Mentored a new team member
- Cooked a meal for someone
5. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Their desire to continuously learn
- Their ability to teach others
- Their open-mindedness and ability to comply
Good responses:
- New language
- New software application
- New way to improve something
6. What tends to make you laugh?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Their desire to have fun
- Their ability to connect with others
- Their ability to strengthen culture
Good responses:
- Humor related to role/company
- Humor related to region/geography
- Anything not offensive, really
7. What do you find inspirational in a leader?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Determines fit with supervisor(s)
- Demonstrates EQ
- Helps identify leaders
Good responses:
- Support/standing up for what’s right
- Leading by example
- Offering valuable feedback
8. What do you normally do when you get stuck on a problem?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Determines resourcefulness
- Demonstrates EQ
- Demonstrates creativity
Good responses:
- Read the manual (briefly)
- Google examples and instructions
- Ask a friend/mentor/supervisor
9. Tell me about a previous job you really liked and why you liked it?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Determines proper fit
- Understand their passions
- Can infer dislikes (or ask follow up questions to do so)
Good responses:
- Supportive leadership
- Good processes (which could potentially be replicated)
- Leveraged their strengths
10. What do you like to do to destress?
Why to use it/what you learn from it:
- Demonstrates EQ
- Communicates importance (to help sell them)
- Determines proper fit
Good responses:
- Travelling
- Sports and hobbies
- Anything not illegal, really
Summary
Mixing in some of these interview questions some role-specific ones will help you gauge how the interviewee thinks critically and creatively, connects with others, and can execute and perform in the role they are interviewing for. Some may be more relevant or impactful than others. Try a few out. It may be a little uncomfortable, but you’ll learn a lot more from them than you will from cookie-cutter interview questions that interviewees are likely already prepared for.
Do you have any favorite interview questions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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