Page 40 - Boost Your Hiring

26 Boost Your Hiring IQ

ANSWERS
The Strongest Question
(C) This is the strongest question because it is getting a concern on
the table and allowing the candidates to give reasons for apply-
ing for a job that they may be overqualified for. It is worth lis-
tening for extenuating circumstances before you make a
judgment.
Sometimes there are reasonable explanations for why the
person has opted to “step down” or change careers—and you
may get a real bargain in the process. Obviously, you will have
to listen carefully to the answer and make a judgment about its
authenticity before you can move forward. If you are con-
cerned about the fact that the person will get bored and not
stay in the job, you will need to probe deeper regarding future
goals and plans.

The Mediocre Question
(B) This is an okay question because it addresses a legitimate con-
cern that requires information. Where has this person been
during the gaps? And are the gaps indicators that there is a pat-
tern of on-again, off-again employment?
There may be very legitimate reasons why a candidate took
time off. Be sensitive to women with gaps and not push in a
negative manner when it comes to maternity leaves. The same
would be true with medical leaves and your reaction to this in-
formation.

The Weakest Question
(A) This is the weakest question because it is not specific. It’s actu-
ally a “trick” question that can work against both you and the
candidate. Whatever the candidate answers will be a problem
because the question has a negative slant.

RATE YOURSELF
If you chose question (C), give yourself 5 points.

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