Step Out of the Mold the Next Time You Interview

As a hiring manager, you probably conduct interviews several times a year. Do you find it hard to weed out candidates once they get to this stage? At this point, they're motivated and would do anything to get a great job. Instead of asking tried-and-true interview questions, which are often boring, go for five different ones instead.

Five Interview Questions to Avoid

You've probably heard these standard interview questions many times. Unfortunately, the only purpose of these questions is to see how much a candidate can jump through the right hoops to land a job. Hoop jumping isn't in the job description you posted online. Don't ask these five questions:

* What would your previous supervisor say about you?
?* What is the greatest setback you've had in your life?
?* Why should we hire you over other highly qualified candidates?
?* Tell me your greatest weakness.
* Where do you see your professional life in five years?

Two of these questions are practically the same, and the candidate has no control over what his former boss says about him. Everyone wants the job, which is why candidates want you to hire them, and no one can predict the future when it comes to a highly competitive job market unless you plan to sign the candidate to a five-year contract.

Five Interview Questions to Ask Instead and Why

Break out of the boring mold and ask these five interview questions instead. A hiring manager can't afford to make a mistake when it comes to hiring the right person for the position. Plus, it's your job to ascertain the perfect fit because you know the type of person who is needed in that role.

?1. How Does This Position Fit Into Your Professional Plans?

This question lets you determine if the person in front of you just wants the job and isn't picky, or plans to own the position. It also gives you an idea of where the person's career is headed.

2. What Do You See as the Biggest Challenges You Will Face in This Position During Your First Month on the Job?

This question gets inside the person's head in terms of how well the candidate knows the position versus his own experience, skills and qualifications. The candidate's research skills with regards to the job come into play.
?
?3. What Experiences Have Prepared You for This Job?

The candidate should relate a story about the most relevant work experience that readied him for this position. You find out if he's ready for the job from day one.

?4. What Can I Tell You About This Company or Position?

The answer to this question shows the candidate's insight into the company and position. Does the person respond with a mundane request or something that shows keen thinking skills?

5. How Do You Plan to Dive Into the Projects We've Discussed?

You find out if this person has a plan of attack from the moment he arrives on his first day. Do his priorities align with your company's priorities?

These different interview questions get to the heart of a person's preparedness, critical thinking skills and experience. Leave the standard questions behind so you gain better insights into each candidate you interview.

Photo courtesy of bm_adverts at Flickr.com