Interview questions are more than just a way to test a candidate’s technical ability. They provide valuable insight into:
- Cultural fit – how well the individual aligns with your organisational values.
- Problem-solving ability – how they approach challenges and decision-making.
- Behaviour under pressure – their responses to real-world and hypothetical scenarios.
- Asking the right questions allows you to explore a candidate’s past behaviours, which are often the strongest predictors of future performance. Avoid leading questions that can unintentionally push candidates toward rehearsed or expected answers.
Essential Interview Questions
Begin with straightforward, open-ended questions that establish rapport and uncover a candidate’s career story, experience, and motivations.
Examples include:
- “What drew you to apply for this position?”
- “Can you tell me about your current role and responsibilities?”
- "These opening questions help candidates relax, while setting the foundation for deeper discussion later.
- Behavioural Interview Questions
Behavioural questions focus on past experiences and how candidates have handled real-life situations. This technique reveals their practical skills, adaptability, and interpersonal approach.
Example:
- “Explain a time when you had to handle a difficult client. How did you manage the situation? and turn this into a positive outcome?
- Such questions highlight whether the candidate has demonstrated the behaviours and attitudes required for success in the role.
Situational & problem solving approach Interview Questions
Situational questions explore hypothetical scenarios, asking candidates how they would respond to challenges they may face in the role.
Example:
- “Imagine a key project is running behind schedule. What steps would you take to bring it back on track?”
- These questions provide insight into their critical thinking, prioritisation, and ability to stay composed under pressure.
Creative Interview Questions
Adding a few less conventional questions can showcase a candidate’s creativity, ambition, and ability to think on their feet.
Example:
- “Demonstrate that if you had the opportunity regardless of budget or resources, what kind of project would you like to lead & manage, what would it be and why?”
- Such questions help reveal personality, passion, and vision—qualities that might not emerge through standard questioning.
✅ Tip for Interviewers: A well-structured interview blends all four types of questions. Start with essentials, move into behavioural and situational scenarios, then add one or two unique questions to finish on an engaging note.