As one of the top staffing agencies in Houston, Murray Resources knows when it comes to successful interviews, it’s all about the questions you ask. The wrong ones can lead to a hiring mistake, while the right ones can help you uncover your next top performer. But with so many options out there – and limited time during an interview – which ones are an absolute ‘must’ for you to ask? Here’s a look:

Why did you apply for this job?

This is a good ice-breaker question to ask. It gives the job candidate a chance to explain what interested them about the opportunity and the company, without being too aggressive or hard-hitting. It will also give you a chance to learn a little bit about what makes them tick.

Why do you think you’re the best fit for the job?

It’s important to ask this question for multiple reasons. First, it will showcase whether or not the candidate has done their homework. If they don’t understand what your company does or who it serves, they’re not going to be able to demonstrate fit. Second, it gives them an opportunity to talk about their unique strengths and abilities in relation to your job opening. So, if a candidate tells you about specific skills or accomplishments that relate directly to the role and your needs, it’s a good sign of a strong, well-prepared candidate.

What job on your resume did you like the most? The least?

Asking these kinds of questions will help you get a sense of what drives an individual candidate and whether that aligns with your company’s unique needs and culture. If their favorite job or company has similar qualities as the position you’re offering, then that’s a sign they could be a good fit. But the reverse is also true. If the job they liked least sounds like the role you’re hiring for, then it’s a good indicator the candidate wouldn’t stick around for long if hired.

Show me how you would…(fill in the blank).

When you ask a candidate to explain to you how they would complete a certain task or fulfill a certain goal that’s in the job description, it will give you some serious insight into how they think. It will also help you understand how they’d perform if offered the job.

Why do you want to leave your current role?

Finding out why a candidate wants to leave their current job can tell you a lot about their expectations, how they see themselves, and what’s important to them. It will also give you a chance to evaluate whether you can offer them what they’re seeking in a new role.

Every interview and every interview question is important. That’s why, if you’re not comfortable with the process or don’t have much time to invest in it, you should consider outsourcing it to the experts.

As one of the top staffing agencies in Houston, Murray Resources has worked with the city’s leading organizations to identify their human resource needs, locate top talent, and maximize employee productivity. Let us help you too! Contact us today to learn more.