Hiring Staff But Not an HR Person? Use These Interview Questions

You do not need to become an HR expert to interview someone properly. You mainly need to find out whether the person can do the job, communicates well and fits the way your company works.

Ask about real situations

Avoid spending the whole interview asking questions that candidates have memorised from the internet.

Try questions like

• Tell me about a difficult customer you handled
• What did you do when you made a mistake at work
• How would you organise five urgent tasks
• Why did you leave your last job

Let them explain how they think

A good interview is not only about the answer. Listen to how the candidate explains a problem and whether the story makes sense.

Look for

• Clear communication
• Ownership
• Common sense
• Ability to learn
• Honesty when they do not know something

Show them the real job

If possible, explain what a normal day looks like. The candidate should know what they are joining before accepting.

Be clear about

• Working hours
• Targets
• Reporting line
• Probation
• What success looks like

My view

Do not try to impress the candidate with a perfect company story. A clear and honest interview gives both sides a better chance of making the right decision.