In order to identify a quality candidate, a thorough evaluation of their skills, experience, and personal qualities is required. Here are some key factors to consider and important questions to ask during an interview.
Relevant Skills & Experience
A quality candidate should have the necessary skills and experience to perform the job duties effectively. Look for candidates who have a track record of success in similar roles or industries by reviewing their resume, cover letter, and work samples to assess their qualifications.
Questions to ask:
- What experience do you have that makes you a good fit for this role?
- What skills do you have that would be valuable in this position?
- What is your educational background, and how has it prepared you for this role?
- Do you have any relevant certifications or licenses?
Positive Attitude & Work Ethic
A quality candidate should have a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Look for candidates who are enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to achieving their goals. Assess their attitude and work ethic through their responses to interview questions and their past work experience.
Questions to ask:
- How do you prefer to work? Alone or in a team?
- What motivates you to do your best work?
- What are your greatest strengths, and how would they benefit this position?
- What kind of work do you find most challenging?
Adaptability & Flexibility
A quality candidate should be able to adapt to new situations and handle unexpected challenges. Look for candidates who are flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn. Assess their adaptability by asking questions about how they handle change and challenging situations.
Questions to ask:
- Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem. How did you approach it?
- How do you make decisions when faced with uncertainty or incomplete information?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to make a tough decision? What was your process?
Good Communication Skills
A quality candidate should have good communication skills, both written and verbal. Look for candidates who are articulate, concise, and able to communicate their ideas effectively. Assess their communication skills through their responses to interview questions and their past work experience.
Questions to ask:
- How do you communicate with team members or colleagues when you disagree with their ideas or approach?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to give constructive feedback to a co-worker or manager?
- Describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a co-worker or customer.
Strong Interpersonal Skills
A quality candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with others and build positive relationships. Look for candidates who are collaborative, empathetic, and respectful. Assess their interpersonal skills by asking questions about how they work with others and their past experiences working on teams.
Questions to ask:
- Can you describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague or team member? How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?
- How do you approach building relationships with colleagues or team members, especially when you are new to a team or organisation?
- How do you communicate with team members or colleagues who have different personalities and work styles than yours?
Cultural Fit
A quality candidate should fit well with the company’s culture and values. Look for candidates who share the company’s mission and vision and are aligned with its values. Assess their cultural fit by asking questions about their values and work style, and by reviewing their past work experiences and achievements.
Questions to ask:
- What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see this position fitting into those goals?
- What are you looking to gain from your next role or company?
- What are some areas you would like to develop or improve upon in your career?
References & Background Checks
A quality candidate should have positive references and a clean background. Verify their work history, education, and any relevant licenses or certifications. Contact their references to learn more about their past performance and work style.
Questions to ask:
- What do you know about our company and our products/services?
- What interests you about this company/industry?
- Can you tell me about a current trend or development in this industry that you find interesting or exciting?
After covering all these topics and asking all these questions, you will be able to gain a clear idea of a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, therefore identify whether they are a good quality candidate and if they would be a good fit for your role, your business and your team.