Top six interviewing questions (and why they are effective).

1) What makes you different from other people applying for this position?

A person who answers this question confidently and reasonably usually indicates someone with a healthy level of self-acceptance and courage. A person who answers it uncomfortably might not be up to the challenge of a tough job. Someone who uses this opportunity to regale you with tales of great accomplishments is probably a little too hung up on himself or herself to work well with a team.

2) Give me a specific example of when you have taken the initiative to get a job done.

You want to find someone who seeks out and seizes opportunities, who will take ownership of problems and go beyond the call of duty to surmount obstacles and create opportunities. Taking initiative, wanting challenge, and the enthusiastic tackling of goals is the greatest differentiator between A, B, and C players. The high initiative person will not hesitate to seize this opportunity to share this characteristic with you!

3) Define how you view success and give me an example of when you have been successful.

High achievers think about this all the time and will have no problem giving you several definitions. B and C players will equivocate, wanting you to give them an idea of what you are looking for.

4) Share with me a time when you took the time to share a co-workers achievement with other people.

This can help you determine two issues. How helpful or selfless is the person, i.e. willing to put others ahead of him or herself. However, it also can give you a handle on how good a motivator this person may be.

5) What will your previous boss say was your greatest strength and area for improvement when/if I talk with him/her?

Even if you don’t plan to call references this is a key question. Just thinking you will call makes the candidate hesitate and give you a more accurate description of how they really see their strengths and areas for improvement.

6) Define integrity for me and give me an actual example of when you have recently acted with integrity.

You will be stunned to find that many people can’t define integrity for you or give you an example. A good answer is “I never cut corners and am consistent in what I say and do. For example,…” Without ‘ironclad’ integrity you can’t build a climate of trust essential to any high achieving team.