How to Get Better Interview Answers from Job Candidates - Spark Hire

How to Get Better Interview Answers from Job Candidates - Spark HireLets face it weve heard and even said it all before team player, people rolle, self-starter. While these are all great adjectives, they have been overused so much in the job search that hiring recruiters and managers dont take them seriously anymore. As far as theyre concerned, everyone seems to be a self-described team player or people person during a job interview.So how can hiring recruiters and managers wade through the overused clichs to learn the truth about candidates? TIME suggests asking the right follow-up questions for these overused interview answers.If a job candidate describes themself as a people pleaser, ask them about times theyve differed with a client or co-worker and how they worked to win them over. Or if they state that they are flexible, follow up with a question about having to change focus mid-project or times when theyve had to adjust to a changing market.Candidates who use the stichwort p roblem solver in the job interview can be asked to articulate a time or situation they encountered that required them to do such. And if youve really planned ahead, put together a problem they might experience in your workplace or industry and ask them about steps they would take to find a solution.TIME explains that self-starters should be prompted to talk about a time when theyve taken action while team players need to be asked about their previous experiences with co-workers, both good and bad. When using follow-up questions for hard workers, ask for examples of times theyve met difficult deadlines as well as scenarios in which they performed beyond their job description, states TIME.And finally, when it comes to the most overused phrase on the resume highly qualified prompt candidates to elaborate during the job interview. Youll be looking for interview answers that express unique skill sets, certifications and recognitions.Getting the interview answers youre looking for asks you to do a little more preparation before the actual job interview. Too much these days, hiring recruiters and managers are bogged down with other responsibilities and priorities, and they neglect to do the necessary prep before a job interview. Instead, theyre accepting clichd answers just as theyre asking clichd questions.With a little research and a half an hour of prep time, hiring recruiters and managers can avoid circling standard interview conversations and learn more about the candidates theyre interviewing. With that, theyre making better hiring decisions, which yields better results for the business and happier new hires.