Understanding Job Candidates’ Preferred Interview Questions
Knowing the perfect answer to an interview question is always challenging, but a recent survey provides valuable insights into job candidates’ preferred queries. Conducted by Yoh, a talent and outsourcing company, the study of 2,084 American adults offers guidance for employers looking to revamp their interview processes to attract better and engage top talent.
Top Preferred Interview Questions
When asked about their preferred interview questions, job candidates’ top choice, selected by 54% of respondents, was:
- “What do you think makes you a good candidate for this job?”
- Other preferred questions included:
- “What soft skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for this job?” (46%)
- “What did you like most about your last job?” (45%)
- “What is an accomplishment you are proud of and why?” (44%)
- “How do you handle high-stress situations at work?” (43%)
- “What would success in this position mean to you?” (41%)
- “What is a quality of a manager you like best?” (38%)
- Simpler Questions, Better Insights
- Yoh’s survey highlighted that candidates generally prefer to avoid questions about their needs and hypothetical scenarios. Only 24% want to be asked about their non-negotiables in a job, and 27% about the resources they need. Additionally, only 28% want to discuss what they would choose to do if money were no object.
Emmett McGrath, president of Yoh, emphasised the importance of balancing conventional questions with out-of-the-box ones that test applicants’ creativity and problem-solving abilities. Simpler questions often provide clearer insights into a candidate’s suitability for a role, streamlining the hiring process.
Key Themes in Candidates’ Preferences
The survey results revealed three main themes in candidates’ preferences:
- 1. Promote Positivity: Candidates favour positively framed questions over negative ones. For instance, 45% prefer discussing what they liked most about their last job, while only 27% want to discuss what they disliked. This trend is especially notable among college graduates, with 50% wanting to discuss positive aspects of their previous roles compared to 39% with a high school education or less.
- 2. Ask About Adversity: Candidates, particularly those from minority backgrounds, are interested in sharing how they handle difficult situations.
- 3. Approach Accomplishments Thoughtfully: Nearly half of the respondents (44%) want to talk about personal or professional accomplishments. Older, more affluent, and better-educated respondents are more likely to prefer this question.
Conclusion
For hiring managers, understanding job candidates’ preferred interview questions can significantly enhance the recruitment process. Employers can gain deeper insights into candidates’ skills and suitability for the role by focusing on positively framed, straightforward questions. Adapting interview strategies to include these preferences will help attract and engage top talent, ultimately leading to better hiring outcomes.
If you would like more insights into improving your recruitment process, you can contact Mornington Recruitment today.