The Interview

Without a doubt the most important tool for identifying whether a match exists between your company, the position requirements and the candidate is the personal interview. There are four key areas that should be explored in-depth during the interview process.

Below are suggested queries to elicit detailed information and insight into the candidate's cognitive processes for problem-solving for each of the four areas.

Candidate Work History

• Describe your specific work activities during the last three years.
• Describe the three most important duties or objectives of the open position then ask, "What experience have you had that would qualify you to perform these tasks?"
• Present a realistic problem and ask, "How would you approach this issue and what are the steps you'd take to resolve it?"

Accomplishments & Achievements

• What have you accomplished in your current position that has set you apart from others?
• What have you done to impact the bottom line?
• What have you done to date that has given you the most satisfaction?

Motivation & Attitude

• If you could design your next job, what precisely would you be doing?
• What would you change about your current (or most recent) position and why?
• What is prompting you to make a change at this time?

Personality & Interests

• How would your last supervisor, co-worker, or subordinate describe you?
• Describe some of your outside interests.
• How do you keep balance in your life?