5 interview questions to ask during a second interview

Here are five great second interview questions to ask candidates:

1. What type of work environment do you prefer?

This question helps you gauge whether the candidate will be a good addition to your company’s culture. Listen for honest answers that describe their work environment preferences, such as working independently, in a team setting, in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, or in an open workplace. Good answers will show the candidate’s self-awareness and recognition of their environmental needs.

2. What skills and strengths will you bring to our company?

This question prompts the candidate to highlight what makes them valuable to your business by stressing their skills, qualifications and if they would be a team player. They should give examples of those skills and related them to the role. Listen for patterns of growth and goal setting. Do some probing and ask, for instance, which one of their strengths grew out of weakness.

3. What was a typical day at work in your last job?

Asking this question gives you insight into how the candidate’s most recent or current routine compares to your expectations for the job. Given that their recent routine may differ significantly from your expectations, you may have a lot to say to the candidate’s response. For instance, someone who works remotely could highlight their successes in transitioning from a workplace to a remote location. Look for perseverance, adaptability and resilience in the answer.

4. Why are you the best candidate for this position?

A model candidate will provide details highlighting their aligned skills and how their strengths and knowledge will benefit your company. Asking this question requires them to show you how unique they are and demonstrate how much thought they’ve put into the answer to emphasise their skills and experience. Look for a concise sales pitch explaining what they have to offer, such as problem-solving skills and relevant strengths.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question gives you a vision of the candidate’s plans and if they align with how you perceive the position. If the position is a career path that meets the candidate’s goals, you can see long-term ambition and how serious they are about the job. Use this question to determine how they prioritise their short-term goals and build on the future.