10 Essential Questions To Ask A Candidate In An Interview: A Comprehensive Guide for Hiring Managers and Recruiters

Prepare for your next interview with these essential questions to ask a candidate. Learn more about their skills, experience, and work style.

So, you've got a stack of resumes on your desk and it's time to start the interview process. But what questions should you ask to really get to know your potential new hire? Here are some ideas that will not only help you find the right candidate for the job but also provide some laughs along the way!

First up, let's talk about the classic Tell me about yourself question. This one can be a bit of a snooze fest, so why not spice it up a bit? Try asking something like If you were a superhero, what would your powers be? or What's the craziest thing you've ever done for a job?

Next, let's move onto their experience. Instead of just asking about their past jobs, try something like If you could have any job in the world, besides this one, what would it be? or What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you at work?

Of course, you'll want to know how they handle certain situations. Instead of just asking How do you handle stress?, try something like If you were stranded on a deserted island with only three items, what would they be? or What's the funniest way you've ever dealt with a difficult coworker?

It's also important to get a sense of their personality. Instead of just asking What are your strengths?, try something like What's your go-to karaoke song? or What's the weirdest talent you have?

Of course, you'll want to make sure they're a good fit for the company culture. Instead of just asking What do you know about our company?, try something like If you could describe our company in one word, what would it be? or What's the most interesting thing you've learned about our company during your research?

Now, let's talk about teamwork. Instead of just asking How do you work in a team?, try something like If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? or What's the best prank you've ever pulled on a coworker?

It's also important to know if they can handle constructive criticism. Instead of just asking How do you handle criticism?, try something like What's the worst feedback you've ever received and how did you handle it? or What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from a mistake?

Of course, you'll want to make sure they're motivated to succeed. Instead of just asking What motivates you?, try something like If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? or What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?

Finally, let's talk about their goals. Instead of just asking Where do you see yourself in 5 years?, try something like If you could time travel, where and when would you go? or What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

So there you have it, some fun and unique questions to ask your potential new hires during the interview process. Not only will these questions help you find the right candidate for the job, but they'll also make the process a little more enjoyable for everyone involved!

Introduction

So, you’re finally ready to hire someone for your company? Congratulations! You’ve already gone through the daunting process of sifting through resumes, checking references, and now it’s time to meet the candidates in person. But wait, how do you know what questions to ask? After all, you don’t want to come off as too serious or too boring. Fear not, my friend. I’m here to help you navigate this tricky terrain with some humorous questions to lighten the mood and get to know the candidate better.

Question 1: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for a job?

Let’s start with a question that will definitely make the candidate think outside the box. This question is perfect for those who are looking to hire someone with a fun and adventurous personality. You never know, you might just find someone who’s willing to go above and beyond for the job.

Question 2: If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?

This question may seem silly at first, but it can actually provide insight into the candidate’s personality and problem-solving skills. Do they choose a character known for their intelligence or bravery? Or do they choose a character known for their humor or creativity? It’s a fun way to learn more about the candidate’s interests and values.

Question 3: What’s your favorite dad joke?

Everyone loves a good dad joke, right? This question is perfect for those who are looking for someone with a good sense of humor. It’s also a great way to break the ice and get the candidate to loosen up before diving into more serious questions.

Question 4: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

This question is a classic and for good reason. It’s a fun way to learn more about the candidate’s problem-solving skills and priorities. Do they choose practical items like food and water or do they choose something more sentimental like a photo of their family? It’s a great way to get to know the candidate on a deeper level.

Question 5: What’s your favorite meme?

Memes have become a staple in our everyday lives, so why not ask the candidate about their favorite one? This question is perfect for those who are looking for someone who’s up-to-date with current trends and has a good sense of humor. Plus, you might just learn about a new meme that you’ve never heard of before!

Question 6: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

This question is perfect for those who are looking for someone who’s creative and innovative. It’s also a great way to learn more about the candidate’s goals and aspirations. Do they want to help people? Do they want to change the world? Or do they simply want to fly?

Question 7: What’s your go-to karaoke song?

We all have that one song that we love to sing at karaoke, so why not ask the candidate about theirs? This question is perfect for those who are looking for someone who’s confident and outgoing. It’s also a great way to lighten the mood and have some fun during the interview process.

Question 8: If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

This question is perfect for those who are looking for someone who’s curious and open-minded. It’s also a great way to learn more about the candidate’s interests and goals. Do they want to experience life as a celebrity or do they want to walk in the shoes of someone in a completely different career field?

Question 9: What’s your favorite pizza topping?

This question may seem insignificant, but it’s actually a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and preferences. Do they like to keep it simple with just cheese or do they like to go all out with toppings like pineapple or anchovies? It’s a fun way to lighten the mood and get to know the candidate better.

Question 10: If you could time travel to any era, which one would you choose and why?

Last but not least, we have a question that’s perfect for those who are looking for someone who’s creative and imaginative. It’s also a great way to learn more about the candidate’s interests and goals. Do they want to travel back in time to a specific event or era? Or do they want to see what the future holds?

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. Ten humorous questions to ask a candidate in an interview. Remember, the interview process can be nerve-wracking for both the interviewer and the candidate, so why not lighten the mood and have some fun? Who knows, you might just find the perfect candidate for your company.

Questions To Ask A Candidate In An Interview

Interviews can be nerve-wracking for both the interviewer and the candidate. But, as an interviewer, it's important to lighten the mood and make the candidate feel at ease. One way to do this is by asking some quirky and humorous questions that are totally irrelevant to the job. Here are a few examples:

1. So, tell me, can you do the chicken dance? It's totally relevant to the job.

Okay, maybe it's not entirely relevant to the job, but it's always good to know if a candidate has any hidden talents. Plus, if there's ever a company-wide dance-off, you'll know who to call on.

2. I hope you brought your crystal ball, because we definitely need someone who can predict the future.

While predicting the future isn't exactly a job requirement, it's always good to have someone who can anticipate potential problems before they arise. And if they happen to have a crystal ball lying around, even better.

3. Are you allergic to cats? Because we have a company mascot that sheds more than your average dog.

It's important to know if a candidate has any allergies, especially if there's a furry friend roaming around the office. But, let's be honest, even if they are allergic, who could resist the fluffy charm of a cat?

4. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy getting lost on public transportation?

Getting lost on public transportation can be frustrating, but it's also a great way to explore a new city. Plus, it shows that a candidate can think on their feet and problem-solve in unfamiliar situations.

5. Can you whistle 'The Star-Spangled Banner' with a mouthful of mashed potatoes? Just curious.

While this may seem like an odd question, it's always good to know if a candidate has any unique skills. And who knows, maybe there's a mashed potato whistle-off in their future.

6. How much coffee is too much coffee? Asking for a friend who may or may not be me.

Let's face it, coffee is the lifeblood of most offices. But, it's important to know if a candidate can handle their caffeine intake. After all, no one wants a jittery coworker who can't sit still.

7. Do you believe in aliens? We have a few coworkers who swear they've been abducted.

Believing in aliens may not be a job requirement, but it's always interesting to hear different perspectives. And who knows, maybe the truth is out there.

8. Can you recite all the lyrics to 'Ice Ice Baby' without skipping a beat? It's a job requirement, trust me.

Okay, so it's not really a job requirement, but it's always good to know if a candidate has some killer karaoke skills. Plus, who doesn't love a good throwback to the 90s?

9. If you had to choose between fighting one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses, which would you pick and why?

This question may seem bizarre, but it's actually a popular hypothetical scenario. It's a great way to see how a candidate thinks under pressure and how they would approach a difficult situation.

10. What's your go-to karaoke song? It's important to know your strengths – even if they involve off-key renditions of 'Livin' on a Prayer'.

Knowing a candidate's go-to karaoke song can reveal a lot about their personality and confidence level. Plus, who doesn't love a good office karaoke night?

While these questions may seem silly, they can actually provide valuable insights into a candidate's personality and problem-solving skills. Just remember to keep things light-hearted and fun – after all, interviews don't have to be so serious all the time.

Questions To Ask A Candidate In An Interview: The Good, The Bad, And The Funny

The Pros And Cons Of Asking Certain Questions

Asking the right questions during an interview can help you determine if a candidate is a good fit for your organization. However, there are some questions that can do more harm than good. Here are the pros and cons of asking certain questions:

What are your weaknesses? - This question can reveal a lot about a candidate's self-awareness and ability to improve. However, some candidates may give a generic answer or try to spin a strength as a weakness.
Why do you want to work here? - This question can help you gauge a candidate's interest in your company and how well they've researched it. However, some candidates may give a rehearsed or insincere answer.
What motivates you? - This question can help you understand what drives a candidate and how they approach their work. However, some candidates may give a vague or unoriginal answer.
What's your favorite joke? - This question can lighten the mood and show a candidate's sense of humor. However, some candidates may not have a good joke or may tell an inappropriate one.

The Funny Side Of Interview Questions

Interviews can be nerve-wracking for both candidates and interviewers. Injecting some humor into the process can help everyone relax and see each other as human beings. Here are some funny questions you could ask:

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? - This question can reveal a candidate's personality and creativity.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? - This question can show what a candidate's dream job is and if it aligns with your organization.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? - This question can be silly but also reveal a candidate's preferences and priorities.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? - This question can show how well a candidate can think on their feet and prioritize.

Remember to balance serious questions with some lighthearted ones. You want to get to know the candidate as a person, not just as a potential employee.

Table: Keywords

Keyword	Definition
Interview	A conversation between an employer and a candidate to evaluate their suitability for a job
Candidate	A person who is applying for a job or being considered for a position
Pros	The positive aspects or advantages of something
Cons	The negative aspects or disadvantages of something
Humorous	Funny or amusing in a playful or witty way

Conclusion: Don't Be Afraid to Ask These Questions in an Interview!

Well, well, well! Now that you have read our blog on the questions to ask a candidate in an interview, we hope you are feeling confident about your next job interview. Don't be afraid to ask these questions! Remember, you're the one who will be working with this person, so it's important to know if they're a good fit for your team.

We've covered a lot of ground in this article, from icebreakers to hypotheticals, and even some curveballs. But all of these questions serve a purpose – to help you get to know the candidate better and assess whether they have the skills and personality traits to excel in the role.

So, let's recap some of the key takeaways from the article:

Icebreaker Questions:

These questions can help ease tensions and make the candidate feel more comfortable. They can also give you insight into their personality.

Behavioral Questions:

These types of questions can help you understand how the candidate has handled certain situations in the past and whether they have the skills and experience necessary for the role.

Hypothetical Questions:

These questions can help you gauge how the candidate thinks on their feet and whether they have the problem-solving skills necessary for the role.

Curveball Questions:

These questions can help you understand how the candidate handles unexpected situations and whether they have a sense of humor.

Remember, the key to a successful interview is to be prepared. Make a list of the questions you want to ask ahead of time and practice asking them. This will help you feel more confident during the interview and will help you get a better sense of whether the candidate is a good fit for your team.

And finally, don't forget to have fun! Interviews can be stressful, but they can also be a chance to get to know some really interesting people. So, relax, be yourself, and ask the questions that matter most to you.

We hope you found this article helpful and entertaining. If you have any other questions about interviewing or hiring, feel free to reach out to us. Good luck with your next interview!