4 interview questions to stop using immediately, and what to ask instead

 

4 interview questions to stop using immediately, and what to ask instead 

HR managers know very well, what to ask from them while interviewing, But there might be some questions, outdated and ineffective, that have nothing to do with the purpose of the interview. If the question doesn't determine the eligibility of candidates for the job interviewed for, then it's just a waste of time and money.

The purpose of the questions in any interview is to find out how the candidate thinks and works. This information helps you choose the right person for the job. If your list of questions is still out of date, then you must review and refine it. 

There are 4 questions, HR managers should stop using in interviews immediately, and ask a few others instead.

The very first question is

Where do you see yourself in the next four to five years? 

The interviewee knows that organizations love to have loyal employees and he knows what you want to listen to? The answers usually are, I will remain loyal, and contribute significantly to the company's Goals. I will excel in my performance. The answers show the career goals of the candidate too. But 98% of recruited candidates don't follow their answers in future. The answers, most of the times, were with honest intentions, but circumstances often force them to change the priorities in their life. They are bound to raise their children in better way, they need to relocate themselves and have to change jobs. In some situations the employees carry-on some new courses with existing job, and select new professions in very different industry. The main purpose of the question was to know the career path, candidate has in his mind.

The right question would be 

"Where do you stand right now in your career path?"

This question, instead, allows the candidate to discuss his future goals, responsibilities and career planning. His answer, with a new perspective, will inform you whether he is suitable to the position you are recruiting for, in current as well as future scenarios. Does his career path match with your organization's hierarchy system.

The second most commonly asked question is What are your weaknesses?

The most annoying question in the interview. Nobody wants to reveal it's weak-points to anyone, especially to the workplace. Every interviewee learns how to respond to this question. So they answer this question with a twist to show their weakness in a positive sign i.e "I am not carrying to myself" or " I sometimes ignore my family as I involve myself so much in work". They just avoid admitting actual weaknesses. 

The right question would be

May I contact your last employer, to discuss what you need to improve? 

The candidate off course will not let you get the answer from others, rather he will more likely confess his weaknesses to you. This way you will know the real truth and make a wise choice.

The third question in my list is 

"Why do you want to work here?"

Most of the candidates answer this question in praising the organization and the job itself. i.e the company's reputation and the job as a good opportunity. These answers don't tell about the skills and ambitions of the candidate. The reality is that the candidate needs a job for better living and the aim of this question is to know about the skills and expertise of the candidate to make him best match for the job, he is being interviewed. To get the right answer from the interviewee, the manager should rephrase the question immediately.

The right question might be

"How do your skills and experience make you the best match for this job?"

To answer this question the applicant will tell you his perspective about the position he is interviewed for and his own vision to perform his responsibilities. 

The fourth question in the list is 

"How much do you earn at your last Job?"

The purpose of this question is to find out how much talent someone has. Because a good salary is due to merit. But the answers to this question were never true, as the phrase doesn't have anything with the market value of the candidate's skills and experience. Rather it provides a pace to both, company and candidate, to negotiate. 

The right question might be

"What is your inspiration to work?"

The answer to this question will show the desire and passion of the candidate to his work, and his aspiration to contribute to the industry. And how much one is self motivated to his work. 

Some interviewers ask some fanciful questions, like "if you had a choice to become an animal, then what you would like to be?" They claim the reason to have some fun in their interview. An interview is a formal session, and you are hiring for a position. It is no doubt a good approach to have fun, but make sure that every question you ask must have appropriate utility. The question may be interesting but it must be pertinent also.