Monday, October 5, 2015

Job Interviewing To Get to the Heart of What You Really Want to Know, and Quickly…….




The right hire can create excitement and energy among team members. A hiring mistake can quickly undo employee productivity.  

Focusing on achievements and accomplishments comes in a number of forms, but particular interview questions get to the bottom line more efficiently than others.

“Tell me about your career progression, leading me up to what you do now in your current role.”

Focus on progression and assuming of greater responsibilities. Often people who strive for progression also have a greater achievement awareness that translates into higher productivity, creativity, and employee engagement. Keep in mind that progression doesn’t always meet changing in position. A person can add to their experiences and skill sets by taking on added responsibilities without change in position/title.

An interview question such as, “What makes you stand out among your peers?” can be an excellent measure of an individual’s level of self-esteem and awareness of accomplishments. 

If the job candidate stumbles in coming up with an answer, you could gently lead them to a similar interview question, “Why would your former bosses say you’re a valuable employee? What do you think they would remember most about you?” Be sure and watch interview body language and eye contact while a candidate responds.

A good question to give you insights into how well candidates can quantify their achievements could be done by asking, “What have you done at your present/last company to increase revenues, reduce costs, or save time?”

Remember that intelligence, prior experience and credentials don’t mean much unless new hires are willing to apply themselves to the new job. An excellent interview question to learn more about a candidate’s initiative is, “What’s the one achievement that you’re most proud of in your career?”

People who focus on achievements and accomplishments tend to get to the results faster.


Scot Dickerson, CPC

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