Job interview questions are a crucial step in employment screening and recruiting process following the submission of the application, resume and cover letter. Employers and human resource managers have an opportunity to get a sense of a candidate’s personality and ability to think on their feet. One of the ways to enhance this aspect of screening is by asking unusual questions they might not be expecting.

The following are some unique interview questions employers can use to help find the ideal candidates for each position:

“What is your favorite book? (Movie? TV show)?”

While these types of interview questions may seem irrelevant to job screening, it is a way to gain insight into an applicant’s personality, preferences and values. If a job requires passion and focus, it will be important to know what inspires an applicant to ensure they will be a fit.

“What is the most serious ‘blind spot’ you can point out in our business, and how could we make improvements?”

These interview questions “acts as if” the candidate is already on the team and fighting for the success of the enterprise. Their answer will show employers if they are truly aware of and versed in the company – or, conversely, that they really didn’t do their homework and perhaps aren’t engaged enough to be a good selection.

“What are your top three values? What motivates you?”

Knowing what drives reliable candidates provides a window into their character and can help determine the best role for each individual. People who value qualities like “determination” will likely be very suited to sales roles. Those who value “innovation” and “improving the world” could thrive in research and development roles.

“What superhero do you most identify with and why?”

These interview questions may seem frivolous, but they are a great way to see how adept the candidate is at thinking on their feet and coming up with a creative answer. It can also yield insights into their value system; identifying with Batman could indicate that a candidate favors an innovative approach to making the world a better place. Identifying with Superman could show the applicant is devoted to bringing the very best out of themselves both in their career and in life in general.

Interview questions are an opportunity for employers to assess an applicant’s personality, passion for the industry and potential fit within the corporate culture. Asking unique, difficult and unexpected interview questions allows for a richer screening process and getting to know how the applicant performs under pressure.

Employers should consider asking interview questions in this vein to help connect with the most qualified and talented candidates. Professional background screeners can further assist with ensuring the right people are selected for each opening.

Source: https://www.inc.com/john-brandon/10-unusual-interview-questions-to-ask-every-new-job-candidate.html
Source: https://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/small-business/conducting-an-interview/toughest-interview-questions.aspx

Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is never intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only.

Numerous surveys have found that the majority of job applicants admit to lying on their resumes and during a job interview. At the very least, they have exaggerated or embellished their accomplishments. The misrepresentation takes place at all levels, even the most senior.

What’s even more troubling for employers is that around 80 percent of applicants say that their lies went undetected. So, how can hiring managers be sure that a candidate is telling the truth on their resume or during the job interview?

Here are six ways to spot a lie, exaggeration or resume fraud during a job interview:

1. Verify Education

Lies about how educational level attained are among the most common. Some applicants will go so far as to say they received a degree from a university they never attended. In other cases, they may add a degree or change the actual major they received to fit the position applied for. Still others will list flimsy degrees received from diploma mills. An Education Verification through a background screening company or in some cases a call to the institution can verify that the student actually attended as well as the veracity of the degree.

2. Verify Employment Dates and Title/Job Role

Lies related to employment are the most common type of deception on resumes and when answering job interview questions. The only way to confirm this information is by calling their former employers. While there may be limits regarding how much the employer will be willing to reveal, you can at least verify that they worked there, their job duties and the dates of employment.

3. Follow Up with References

While many employers ask for references, many do not use these resources to find out more about the candidate. Don’t pass up this opportunity to gain more insights about an applicant, especially if you are unsure about their character or if something during the job interview or about their story does not add up.

4. Enlist a Professional Employment Screening Service

Lies related to criminal history or reliability with finances can be among the most problematic when considering a candidate. All jobs require a strong measure of trustworthiness, but for some positions it is imperative that the person hired does not have a criminal past. Using the services of a professional background screening service allows for checks into criminal history search and with some job positions, pulling a credit report to determine financial history.

5. Look At Their Social Media Accounts

A check of a candidate’s social media accounts can yield additional insights into their employment track record as well as more about their personality. Employers can get a better sense of if they have portrayed themselves truthfully on their resume and in the job interview. Just be sure to treat each candidate consistently if you conduct social media screening.

6. Use Intuition

As employers and hiring managers gain experience, they will develop an increasingly refined intuition. Be on the lookout for vague or general answers and body language that indicates deception.

A lack of honesty on an application or during a job interview can threaten an employer’s ability to find the best candidates. Use these six tips to determine truthfulness and verify qualifications.

Source: http://time.com/money/3995981/how-many-people-lie-resumes/

Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is never intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only.