Interviewing that Future Employee

Conducting a successful interview means getting to learn about the candidate as much as possible in a short period of time. To reach that goal, you need to ask the best possible questions in a usually short period of time.

What do you think of this weather? Start with an icebreaker. Any generic topic will do - sports, industry questions, but no politics or religion. You'll put the candidate at ease and start the interview on a less intimidating footing.

What do you think of our company? This is an easy question to find who has done their homework and has enough interest in the job to research the company. It's also a good question to ask early, then move to the shortened version of the interview if the haven't done their homework.

What motivates you to come to work? I need an answer besides than money. We all work for the money. I like to hear things like challenge, job freedom, opportunity to learn, etc. I want to hire more than a mercenary. I'm hiring someone to help improve my company, not just enrich themselves.

Will we colonize Mars in our lifetime? Get off the beaten path and make them think on their feet. This question doesn't have a right or wrong answer. It gives you insight into their thought processes and how they handle the unexpected.

Tell me about a major success/failure in your career. I want to know what helped him succeed and was it all on his own. Does he share credit with the team around him? Likewise, if it was a failure, does he take all the blame or play the victim. This will give me some valuable insight to his character.

Why are you interested in this position? What about this company or job interests the candidate? What is going to keep them engaged and wanting to come to work every day? This is going to help me find out what makes them tick.

These are generic questions you can ask in any number of ways and with different variations. Most importantly, get the candidate at ease and get them talking so you can learn if they are a good fit for you and your company. And always remember, while you interviewing them, they are interviewing you. And don't forget to convince them that your company is one they want to work for.