You have found a candidate that you think meets the criteria, skill set, and expertise to add to your strong team. This applicant seems very well qualified on paper, through their resume or application, but you want to learn a little more about them. The interview is a great way to see if the applicant has what it takes to join your company. But HOW can you know for certain if they will be a great fit or could work well with others on your team? You probably need someone who will not cause conflict within your team and can be a key contributor to your company’s overall growth.

A common understanding amongst the hiring community is that you want someone who you can work with and enjoy (or at least tolerate) for 8+ hours a day. Imagine this… You and this new applicant are on a business trip across the country. You and this applicant are at the airport, through airport security and are at the gate waiting for your plane to board. Unfortunately, you both find out that your flight is significantly delayed. Is your travel companion someone that you could spend the delay within the airport, not allowed to leave the terminal? If your travel companion is someone who won’t make a bad situation (delayed flight) worse, then you most likely will be able to work with them for 8+ hours a day.

But how can you truly get to know this person in only one, or a couple of conversations? You need to ask the hard hitting questions that will get to the root of if this person will be a great fit for your team.

Below, we have listed just a few important questions to ask in your interview to any applying candidate. Remember, these questions may vary depending on the situation, the job, or the hiring company.

“What led you to apply for [NAME OF COMPANY]?”

“Why are you interested in a career in [Type of Field]?”

“How do you handle stress?”

“What has been your typical role in any team you have been on?”

“How would your friends and family describe you?”

“Why do you think you would be a good fit at [Name of Company]?”

“How would you define success?”

“How would you handle conflict within a team?”

“Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume”

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

“What has been your biggest mistake?”

“What motivates or excites you?”

“How do you respond to criticism?”

There are a plethora of hundreds, if not thousands, of questions you could ask a candidate during the interview process. As an interviewer, you should be prepared to ask tough questions that will get to the root of who the candidate is as an individual, a teammate, and as an employee. Remember, can you spend, and enjoy, a long flight delay with this person?