Hiring the right person for the job is one of the most critical decisions a leader can make. It can mean the difference between a high-performing team and a struggling one. As an executive leadership coach, I have helped leaders figure out how to hire the best candidate. By simply asking 6 great questions. The goal is to weed out the best candidate for the job:
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it in this role? This question reveals a candidate’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think on their feet. Look for answers that showcase their unique perspective and how they would apply it to the job.
Can you share a time when you challenged the status quo and what was the outcome? This question identifies a candidates who are not afraid to think outside the box and drive positive change. Look for examples that demonstrate their ability to innovate and take calculated risks.
If you could travel back in time and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be? This question provides insight into a candidate’s self-reflection and personal growth. Look for answers that illustrate how they learned from their experiences and are committed to continuous improvement.
Describe a situation where you had to win over a skeptical audience. How did you approach it and what was the result? This question assesses a candidate’s communication and persuasion skills. Look for strategies that showcase their ability to understand their audience, build rapport, and effectively convey their message.
If you were given a blank check and unlimited resources to tackle any problem in the world, what would you choose and why? This question reveals a candidate’s values, passions, and big-picture thinking. Look for answers that align with your company’s mission and demonstrate their desire to make a positive impact.
Imagine it’s your first day on the job. What are the first three things you would do to set yourself up for success? This question shows a candidate’s strategic thinking and proactivity. Look for answers that involve learning the ropes, building relationships, and identifying opportunities to add value right from the start.
By asking these 6 questions consistently across candidates and delving into their responses. You can start to identify patterns and get a sense of who is the best fit for the role. While additional questions may be necessary. Depending on the specific position, this framework provides a solid foundation for evaluating a candidate’s potential.
Lead from Within: Asking the right questions is the key to unlocking a candidate’s true potential.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- How The Best Leaders Move Forward After A Bad Hiring Mistake
- How To Hire The Right Talent For Your Team
- How Investing in Your Top Leaders: Keeps Your Best Employees Around
- 10 Vital Traits to Look for In People You Hire
- How to Prevent A Bad Hire for your Great Company
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.