15 Interview Questions to Ask as a Hiring Manager

The hiring process is one of the most important aspects of Human Resources Management. It is essential to attract and recruit top talent for organizational growth. Hiring managers are always on the lookout for individuals whom they feel could bring value to the company and drive performance.

The interview process can be long and tedious which is why it is crucial to ask specific questions. Only 20% of candidates are interviewed and it is critical to ask individuals useful questions that will inform your final hiring decision.

PeopleGoal offers a series of apps that help with a range of HR functions, ranging from the initial interview, to onboarding, engagement and performance management. Below we explain the importance of interviews for hiring managers and list the top 15 questions to ask.

The Importance of Interviews

As previously mentioned, not all job candidates receive an interview. It is important to meet candidates in-person (or remotely!) to gain an understanding of their prior job experience and qualities. This helps determine if they will be a good fit for your role and company culture.

Candidates may appear different in-person than from their CV and reference letters. The way potential employees carry themselves is a crucial factor in hiring decisions. Forbes conclude that 40% of hiring professionals believe that a candidate's overall confidence influences an individual's chances of being hired.

Equally, it is important to explain to a candidate exactly what you are looking for. Gallup found that just 5% of hiring managers strongly agreed that their company's job postings were an "accurate reflection" of the roles' actual job demands.

The Best Questions

Below we will list the top 15 questions hiring managers should ask to gain invaluable insight into a candidate's experience, capabilities, and potential fit into your organization.

Job Experience

The first thing you should establish during the interview is a candidate's work history. Find out about what their current role entails, the responsibilities they have and what they consider both failures and achievements. Ask about their experience of working from home and whether they feel comfortable leading a team or making decisions.

1. What can you tell us about your current role?
2. Do you have experience in working remotely?
3. Do you have experience in leading a team?
4. What do you feel are your biggest career achievements?
5. What can you tell us about your biggest failure in your role and how you overcame it?

Skills and Qualities

Having learned about a candidate's job experience, it is essential to understand who they are as a person and the implications this has for their approach to work. Ask about their strengths and weaknesses, their preferred ways of working and how others would describe them. Consider their technical experience.

1. What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?
2. Can you tell us about a time you have had a disagreement at work and how you handled it?
3. Do you work best independently or as part of a team?
4. How would your colleagues and manager describe you?
5. What technical experience do you have (e.g. software, programs, technology)?

Company Culture

The final part of the interview should enable hiring managers to evaluate how candidates may fit into your company culture. Discuss what they look for in a company and why they are leaving their current role. Assess what motivates them and their vision of career development.

1. Why do you want to work at our company?
2. Why are you leaving your current role?
3. What motivates you at work?
4. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
5. Do you have any questions for us?

👉 Click here for 21 more questions to ask remote hires

Conclusion

Hiring managers should prepare questions before the interview which are focused and target all the necessary information. Consider asking about past job experience, skills, qualities, and company culture. Hiring the top talent is essential for your organization!

PeopleGoal can help your organization with a range of HR functions. Our customizable apps and workflows assist managers and employees with performance, engagement, and development.

⭐ Book a demo with PeopleGoal today