Good Interview Questions

[snoopy369]

We had one guy that it quickly became obvious from every behavioral answer that he had a big issue with authority. He didn't realize what he was saying and thought he was a shoe in for the job. The other hiring manager and I laughed for about an hour. The look on his face when we explained it was priceless.

You never told me you interviewed Asher!

(Only posted since Asher got a job already )

[Ben Kenobi]

Hmm, I always was fond of the out from left field questions. Those always stand out to me as my most memorable interviews.

It's been awhile since I've gotten a job based of an interview though. My last two jobs were both through word of mouth.

[onodera]

A good question is "tell me about an interesting problem you solved at your previous job". Another good one is "tell me about a project you've done that you are not proud of".
The first one, followed by some discussion, shows if the person's not bull****ting about his experience, the second one shows whether he can reflect upon his mistakes or prefers to prepare a glib answer beforehand.

[Wiglaf]

Remember it's you versus them. Make sure to masturbate while interviewing them so they know for certain that you're getting off on the power rush.

This is an insightful comment that went over Rah's head. You're a pretty good poster. The only thing will ever go over your head is Chinese missiles when Taiwan gets annihilated.

Rah, you should probably stop jerking the power chain. When I interview people, I do not try to trap them or ask them stupid questions about their weaknesses while reading too much into their stupid answers. Garbage in, garbage out. Be more interesting, test their balls, as seen in this clip. http://www.rawmeat.com/link.php?id=11909

[duke o' york]

You can also try "where do you want to be in 5/10/x years" and probe further based on their response.

Don't use this. It's so cliched, and a pretty dumb question anyway. How many people will tell the truth?
"Well actually I want to be on a Caribbean island with the Sports Illustrated girls, but thanks for asking."

Ask them to tell you a joke.
This will come out of left field, and you'll get a good idea of how quick they are and how well they'll do at making the correct choice under pressure. If they come out with: "Why did the blonde...., er no hang on. An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman...., er no. Why did the chicken cross the road?" then you'll know that the interviewee is not a good bet if you want someone to make the right decision under pressure. Before booting them out the door then make sure to ask them what the jokes were. They might be awesome, if inappropriate for interviews, and at least you won't have wasted an hour.

[Wiglaf]

Do you work at a comedy club? It's either that or a house for the retarded.

[Zkribbler]

Do you work at ... a house for the retarded.

Why do you ask? Does he look familiar?

[Elok]

What Dauphin said. You can also try "where do you want to be in 5/10/x years" and probe further based on their response.

(Don't say "doing your wife," don't say "doing your wife," don't say "doing your wife") "Doing your...son?"

[-Jrabbit]

The hardest thing for someone not used to doing interviews is to STFU.

The best technique I learned in 20 years of interviewing is to ask a question -- then let the silence fill the room. It gets more uncomfortable with each pasing second, and there's a tremendous temptation to fill the void. Don't give in! Don't rephrase it, don't simplify it. When the candidate finally answers, it will be much more revealing.