Page 26 - Boost Your Hiring

12 Boost Your Hiring IQ

ANSWERS
The Strongest Question
(B) This is the strongest question because it can easily be followed
up with a probe. The candidate might answer the question by
saying something like, “I think the most important quality
needed to do this job would be creative problem solving.”
This provides you with the opportunity to find out how the
candidate rates him or herself on creative problem solving. De-
pending on the answer given, you can ask for an example of a
time when he or she used creative problem solving to think
“outside the box.”

The Mediocre Question
(C) This is an acceptable question because, like the strongest one, it
may catch the candidate off guard by the way you ask it.
What you are really asking is, “What are the strengths that
you bring to this job?” By asking the question using more
original wording than the “strengths” question, you may get
more thoughtful information from the candidate.
Candidates will also have to be prepared and have done their
research about the job to know what is expected in this position
and how their “added value” can bring even more than asked for
in the posting or ad. So a bonus to this question is that the can-
didate’s answer may let you know how familiar the candidate is
with the position and your company.

The Weakest Question
(A) The question is itself is too closed and will reveal very little in-
formation of value unless the candidate offers it or you probe
with a second question such as, “Could you tell me what areas
of the job would be a good fit for you?” Or, you could ask, “Is
there any aspect of the position where you feel you will have
to stretch to come up to speed?”

RATE YOURSELF
If you chose question (B), give yourself 5 points.
If you chose question (C), give yourself 3 points.
If you chose question (A), give yourself 0 points. _____