Asking the right questions during an interview is the key to understanding whether a candidate is a good fit for your team and company. Preparing questions based on the candidate’s resume is vital but it’s also important to have a set of predetermined questions ready to go for each candidate. Here are 10 interview questions you should consider using.

Top 10 Interview Questions

1. What do you know about our company and this position?

This question assesses the candidate’s level of preparation and interest in the role. It also gives you an opportunity to gauge their understanding of your company and what you do.

2. What attracted you to our company and this position?

This question helps you to understand the candidate’s motivations and what they hope to achieve in the role. It also gives you a chance to assess their alignment with your company’s mission and values.

3. What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?

This question allows the candidate to highlight their most relevant skills and experience. It also gives you an opportunity to assess whether their skills and experience match the requirements of the role.

4. Can you describe a time when you had to overcome a challenge at work?

This question helps you to assess the candidate’s problem-solving skills and resilience. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about their work ethic and commitment to excellence.

5. What are your salary expectations?

This question is important to ask early on in the interview process to avoid any surprises down the road. It also gives you an opportunity to assess the candidate’s realism and expectations. Remember, in some states, it is illegal to ask a candidate about their salary history so it’s best to discuss what they are looking for in a new career.

6. What are your long-term career goals?

This question helps you to understand the candidate’s ambition and career aspirations. It also gives you an opportunity to assess whether their goals align with your company’s long-term plans.

7. Do you have any questions for me?

This question gives you an opportunity to learn more about any concerns or hesitations they might have and to combat them if possible. It also sends good communication signals to the candidate.

8. What is your favorite thing about working in this industry?

This question gives you an opportunity to assess the candidate’s passion for their work and their understanding of the industry. If your company has a deliberate culture built around passion for your product and industry, this question will help assess whether they’d make a good fit.

9. How do you contribute to a team environment?

This question helps you to assess the candidate’s teamwork skills and their ability to collaborate with others.

10. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself?

Give the candidate an opportunity to finish the interview on a high note and talk about what they feel is important to know about themselves.

By asking these 10 interview questions, you can gain a better understanding of the candidate’s skills, experience, motivation, and fit for your team and company.

For a complete guide to preparing for an interview check out our other article Interview Tips for Hiring Managers.