Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

Best Interview Questions

Job interviews can be nerve-wrecking and stressful. You have to think about what you are going to say, what you are going to wear and, of course, what you are going to ask. While Spark News has focused on the job seekers end of asking questions, we can’t leave out the companies.

If you’re a job seeker, you’re probably going over hundreds of questions you think will be thrown at you in the interview, formulating possible answers. If you’re an employer, you’re thinking of the best questions you can ask that would show you this job seeker’s true potential and if they are a good fit for the company. So, what kinds of questions can you as an employer ask in order to gather the most valuable information from a candidate? Spark News came across an article in Forbes recently that listed the best interview questions that are never asked. Take a look at them and if you think the are good enough, use them in your next interview and see what kinds of answers you get.

1. Tell me the first 5 things you would do if you were to get this position.
This question allows for you to see if this candidate has a firm grasp on what is expected of them and if they understand what the job really entails. It also for you to get a glimpse of their prioritization skills and their train of thought. Would they execute these tasks correctly?

2. Tell me about a time you took a risk and failed. How about a time you took a risk and succeeded? What was the difference?
The candidate has a chance here to be honest and show how they dealt with a potential failure. It also allows for you to see if they are the kind of person that would take a risk or if they like to play it safe. If you are looking for either of these traits, then this question will certainly give you a better idea of what kind of person this candidate is.

3. “What do you want for your career two jobs from now, and how does this position help you get there?”
This question allows for you to see where this candidate sees themselves in the near future. It also gives you insight into what motivates them and drives them. Are they taking this job because it fits into their grand employment picture, or are they just desperate for any position?

4. What do you think you have to do to be successful in this position? Name 3-5 of them.
This question is great for figuring out whether or not this candidate will fit in with your company’s work culture. It also shows you what they expect of the position and how they see their resources. Do they expect to do more work than you will actually have them do, or less?

SOURCE: Forbes
IMAGE: Courtesy of QuickBase

Nicole Nicholson

Nicole is the Content Editor for Spark Hire and mainly writes for and edits the work for the Spark News blog. She graduated in 2010 with a BA in Journalism from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She has a passion for writing, editing, and pretty much anything to do with content. In her free time she frequents the Chicago music scene and writes reviews on shows for her own personal blog. Connect with Nicole and Spark Hire on Facebook and Twitter

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