10 Essential Interview Questions That Every Hiring Manager Should Consider

Hiring the right person isn’t just about filling a seat, it’s about choosing someone who will drive your business forward.

A great hire can energize a team, improve results, and support your company’s goals. But getting that right starts with asking the right interview questions.

I often see hiring managers rush through interviews or rely on surface-level questions that don’t reveal how a candidate actually works. Strong, well-thought-out questions can give you insight into a person’s mindset, work ethic, and fit for your company. All very important!

Here are 10 smart, practical interview questions every hiring manager should have in their back pocket:

1. Tell me about yourself.

This question helps gauge the candidate's communication skills, their confidence level, and ability to summarize their experience and qualifications effectively. It sets the tone for the interview and provides context for further questions.

2. Why are you interested in this position and our company?

Understanding the candidate's motivation for applying shows if they have done their research about the company and if they align with the company's values and goals. It also indicates their genuine interest in the role.

3. Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly. How did you do it?

This question assesses the candidate's ability to adapt and learn in a fast-paced environment. It highlights their initiative and resourcefulness in acquiring new skills.

4. How do you handle tight deadlines? Can you provide an example?

This question assesses the candidate's ability to work under pressure and their time management skills. It reveals their approach to high-stress situations.

5. Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a coworker or supervisor. How did you handle it?

Conflict resolution skills are essential in any workplace. This question evaluates how the candidate manages disagreements and maintains professional relationships.

6. How do you manage situations where you lack the necessary information or resources to complete a task?

This assesses the candidate's problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness.

It reveals how they approach challenges and find solutions when faced with limitations.

7. Describe a time when you went above and beyond your job responsibilities to achieve a goal.

This question reveals the candidate's dedication, initiative, and willingness to put in extra effort when necessary. It demonstrates their commitment to achieving success.

8. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult client or customer.

How did you handle the situation?

This question evaluates the candidate's customer service skills, patience, and ability to handle challenging interactions professionally and effectively.

9. Tell me about a time when you identified a problem and took the initiative to resolve it.

This question highlights the candidate's proactive nature and problem-solving abilities. It shows their willingness to take ownership and act independently.

10.  What are the most important qualities you look for in a team leader or manager?

This provides insight into the candidate's expectations of leadership and management styles. It helps determine if their values align with the company's leadership approach.

Interviewing isn’t just a checklist. It’s your chance to dig deeper and figure out if someone has what it takes to succeed in your business. The right questions can reveal problem-solving ability, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and culture fit, all of which matter just as much as experience. Remember, you can teach skills – but you can’t teach behaviours.

The key to a great interview? Be intentional.

Tailor your questions to the role, listen closely to the answers, trust your instincts.

And if you’re wondering what else to ask or how to structure your interviews, I can help :)

Let's take the guesswork out of hiring.

What else would you add? What’s your must-ask question?