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6 interview questions hiring managers ask to test your personality
Business Insider
Jacquelyn Smith
Employers today aren't only looking for candidates with the right set of technical skills and years of experience under their belt. They want to hire those who also have something unique to offer — like a great personality or a strong set of soft skills.
"In fact, if they find a candidate who has less experience than their competition, but has stronger growth potential and seems to be a better cultural fit, the employer may feel encouraged to hire that person," says Edward Fleischman, chief executive officer of Execu Search, a full-service recruitment, temporary staffing, and retained search firm.
In an effort to find new hires who are great cultural fits, employers are putting more emphasis on soft skills, or intangible qualities, "that are not always apparent on a piece of paper," he says. "Though the specific personality traits employers are looking for are subjective to the role and the organization, some qualities that are a good indication of success in a role include organizational and communication skills, great team player, strong leadership skills, an ability to think on your feet, drive, and initiative."
To figure out if candidates possess the right soft skills or personality fit, employers often ask these interview questions.
1. 'IF YOUR BEST FRIEND WAS SITTING HERE, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING YOUR FRIEND?'
2. 'IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE WAY YOU APPROACH CHALLENGES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?'
3. 'WHAT DRIVES YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?'
4. 'WHAT TYPES OF HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?'
5. 'IF YOU COULD MEET A CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?'
6. 'HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED ON A SPORTS TEAM?'
Read more: 6 interview questions hiring managers ask to test your personality
Business Insider
Jacquelyn Smith
Employers today aren't only looking for candidates with the right set of technical skills and years of experience under their belt. They want to hire those who also have something unique to offer — like a great personality or a strong set of soft skills.
"In fact, if they find a candidate who has less experience than their competition, but has stronger growth potential and seems to be a better cultural fit, the employer may feel encouraged to hire that person," says Edward Fleischman, chief executive officer of Execu Search, a full-service recruitment, temporary staffing, and retained search firm.
In an effort to find new hires who are great cultural fits, employers are putting more emphasis on soft skills, or intangible qualities, "that are not always apparent on a piece of paper," he says. "Though the specific personality traits employers are looking for are subjective to the role and the organization, some qualities that are a good indication of success in a role include organizational and communication skills, great team player, strong leadership skills, an ability to think on your feet, drive, and initiative."
To figure out if candidates possess the right soft skills or personality fit, employers often ask these interview questions.
1. 'IF YOUR BEST FRIEND WAS SITTING HERE, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING YOUR FRIEND?'
2. 'IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE WAY YOU APPROACH CHALLENGES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?'
3. 'WHAT DRIVES YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?'
4. 'WHAT TYPES OF HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?'
5. 'IF YOU COULD MEET A CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?'
6. 'HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED ON A SPORTS TEAM?'
Read more: 6 interview questions hiring managers ask to test your personality
