I am always on the look out for innovative interview questions.
I think that small business owners spend too much time talking about themselves during interviews since they are so used to selling their company.
In that situation, they learn alot about you, but you don’t know anything about them.
Here are some creative ones to ask:
- What would you do during a zombie apocalypse? – Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Every prospective employee at Capriotti’s must answer this question. Although there is no right answer, Ashley believes this question reveals a great deal about a person’s character, how they react under pressure and if they would fit in with the company’s culture. Ashley advises candidates to be creative and thoughtful with their answers, highlighting their thinking skills and imagination.
What does work-life integration mean to you? – Neil Gill, CEO of Dogtopia
In an interview, Neil likes to gauge candidates work styles by asking them their definition and views on work-life integration. He advises candidates to respond with their gut, show personality and be honest with their answers to ensure both the candidate and the company are a good fit for each other.
Can you tell me about your past? – Larry Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express
To get a good grasp on a potential candidate, Larry likes to ask interviewees to discuss their favorite job, their least favorite job, and why. This helps to highlight what a candidate enjoys about work and what they don’t – revealing if they’d be a good fit for a position. Larry advises candidates to be 100% honest when interviewing to ensure the company is truly a good fit.
What do you look for in a company’s culture? – Susan Boresow, President of TITLE Boxing Club
To make sure personalities align, Susan likes to ask candidates what their ideal company culture would look like to ensure their success and happiness. Susan advises candidates to come well prepared to an interview, but speak from the heart and answer questions truthfully.
What did you enjoy most about your previous employer? – Al Scobell, CEO of Caring Transitions
To gauge what a candidate is looking for in management style, Al likes to ask candidates what they enjoyed most about their previous employer. This is an easy way to see if your management style lines up with what a candidate works best with. Al advises candidates to not sugar coat or downplay their experience, but simply tell the truth.
Special thanks to Fishman Public Relations
