Killer Interview Questions - separating the fakers from the success makers

Recruiting and hiring the right people is the key to any successful business.

If you are hiring, these questions below will be invaluable. If you are looking to be hired, better to get these questions in advance and be prepared with the killer answers.

I have been in the process of hiring a few key employees for a couple of companies I am involved with. In preparation for these interviews I pulled out some of my notes on interview questions that have worked the best for me in ascertaining someones true character (it's not easy!) and performance potential. I offer this well evolved list to you as well as a couple of other article suggestions to further your resources.

Questions:

(Quick insight... sort interview or long one?)
What circumstances bring you here today?

What was the best part of your previous job? Worst?

What was your greatest contribution to your last job/company?

Why did you part ways?

(A little self-examination/realization)
What woudld you consider to be your top 3 qualities that make you successful?

What are 2 areas you would like to improve on?

How would your best friend describe you?

How would your previous boss describe you?

Favorite job ever? Worst?

Favorite boss ever? Worst?

Types of people you have trouble getting along with?

What motivates you? When have you felt most motivated about your career?

(Insight into real motivation, personal interests/passion)
If you could start your career over again, what would you do different?

Starting college today, what courses would you take this time?

What do your supervisors tend to criticise you most about?

(non-professional insight)
How do you balance work and family?

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

Last book you read? Favorite/most influential of all time?

(personal development inquiry)
How much do you invest in your personal development? How?

Do you have written goals? What are your top 3?

Who would you consider your mentor/role model and why?

(can they sell you?)
What are you looking for most in a new job/position? Describe your ideal opportunity.

Based on what you know about our industry/company how does this compare to your ideal?

(have they done their homework?)
How would you describe what we do?

Who do you see as our top 3 competitors or potential threats in the future?

(more selling...)
What about (comany interviewing for) is most exciting to you?

Why (company interviewing for)? Why do you want this job?

(love this question....)
Why you? Why do you think you are the ideal candiate for this position?

(best to find that out upfront - ask directly)
Are you considering any other offers right now? Which?

(gotta know where you are negotiating from, nothing like knowing the numbers upfront)
Income history?

Other great articles and resources:
14 Killer Questions to Ask in Your Next Interview
Ten Tough Interview Questions and Ten Great Answers
Prep for the Top 10 Interview Questions
Oh, and in case you have to fire: The Art of Firing

Forward this article onto a friend: http://darrenhardy.typepad.com/blog/2007/06/killer-intervie.html

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