Interview questions worth asking.
Better questions make for better conversations. And often, the most useful part comes after the first answer.
Don't interview the résumé. Interview the person.
A résumé gives you the outline. The interview is where you learn the story behind it. What did this person actually do? How do they approach problems? What have they learned along the way?
Too often, interviews turn into a race through a list of questions. You get more from asking fewer good questions and listening properly.
Five things a good interview can tell you.
You don't need to cover everything in one conversation. Choose the areas that matter most for the work.
What they've done
Go beyond job titles. Find out what was actually theirs to own.
How they think
Explore their judgement when there isn't an obvious answer.
How they work
Understand collaboration, priorities and follow-through.
What they've learned
Listen for reflection, responsibility and an openness to improve.
What matters to them
See whether the role genuinely offers what they're looking for.
Don't stop at the first answer.
Imagine you're interviewing someone for a role that involves juggling priorities. Here's how one question can lead to a much better conversation.
"Tell me about a time you had competing deadlines."
It's a good start, but a polished example doesn't automatically tell you what the person actually did.
"What was your part in deciding what came first?"
Listen for how they chose, communicated the trade-offs and followed through. Ask what happened next.
You're trying to understand someone's actions and judgement. Give them a moment to think. Ask for an example if the answer stays vague. And make room for the person to ask questions of you, too.
Build an interview guide that fits the role.
Pick the questions most relevant to the job. Each includes something to listen for and a follow-up worth asking. Your choices stay in your browser.
Start with what matters.
A few good questions, asked consistently, can tell you more than a long list.
A few things worth remembering before you interview
- Choose questions that relate directly to what the person will actually do.
- Ask each candidate for the same role the same core questions. Follow-ups can explore their individual answers.
- Give people time to think. Silence doesn't mean they have nothing to say.
- Write down examples and actions, not just a feeling about the conversation.
- Keep questions focused on job requirements. Avoid protected personal topics.
- Leave time for the candidate to ask questions, too.
Still getting clear on the role?
Start with our Thoughtful Hiring Planner to work out what the job really needs before you choose your questions.
Make the comparison fair.
Your downloaded guide includes a simple, consistent rating scale and room for job-related evidence. Use the same criteria for every candidate.
One last check.
Before you sit down with a candidate, make sure your guide is ready to use.
Good questions need a fair process, too.
A thoughtful interview isn't about who gives the smoothest answer, or who reminds you most of yourself. It's about learning whether someone can do the work and thrive with the support your team offers.
Before you begin: Decide what matters for the role, then ask each candidate the same core questions. You can follow up differently to clarify individual answers.
Choose what you're assessing.
Use the role's real requirements. What skills, behaviours and results would make someone successful?
Write down evidence.
Capture examples of what the candidate did, why they did it and what happened. Keep notes relevant to the job.
Compare against the role.
Use the same criteria for everyone. Be cautious about relying on chemistry, first impressions or a vague sense of fit.
Give candidates room to decide.
Explain the work honestly, leave time for their questions and keep the interview accessible and respectful.
Better questions. Better conversations.
You don't need to ask all 20 questions from a guide to run a good interview. Start with what matters for the role. Listen carefully. Ask another question when there's more to understand.
And if you're working through a hiring challenge or want help building a fair, practical interview process, I'm always happy to talk.