During my career in HR I
was responsible for many interviews and even taught supervisors how to
interview. However, I have learned that most people cannot predict very well
how one is going to perform, based on an interview. However, I do have one
piece of advice, which unfortunately is not fool proof. However, it is what I
consider to be the most important interview question of all time.
The question is, “If
hired, what are you going to contribute to the company and how are you going to
do it?
One drawback with this question
is that few positions within an organization allow an employee to make a
contribution. In my experience, most jobs are designed to conduct a series of
tasks, which are determined by an established process that is not readily subject
to change. However, if your firm is willing to think out of the box or the position
is intended to make things faster, better, and cheaper, then this is the most
important question you can ask.
Furthermore, to gain the
most from this question, you should prepare the candidate for this question. In fact, as part of scheduling the interview,
the candidate can be told that this question will be discussed.
Unless you gain satisfaction
from trying to surprise candidates and seeing how well they respond under pressure,
you may prefer to give the interviewee the opportunity time to develop a legitimate reason for
hiring them. Who knows, you might learn that someone has an idea and an
approach that is highly beneficial for the company plus they are willing to work
to make it happen. Isn’t that the kind of person you’re organization is looking
for? If not, then I don’t think any question you ask will make a difference.
From Michael Salisbury with the HRA at
www.hralliance.biz Follow myblog: http://hralliance.blogspot.com/
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