Interviews can become as underwhelming as you allow them to become. Whether you are the interviewer or the interviewee you can establish an environment that benefits all those involved.
How you ask? It is simple. Ask good questions.
What is a good question? That is a good question. A good question is one that is based on a genuine attempt to learn something. If you are simply asking a question because it is on your list of questions to ask (and you do not have a desire to learn from the answer) then I beg you not to ask it. A lack of genuineness is evident.
As a general rule, one close-ended question after another getting one-word answers or typical phrases then you are not accomplishing your goal of determining the proper fit of the candidate to the organization. Open-ended questions are critical. Have an actual conversation.
There are many questions I have asked and been asked over the years. Questions such as:
- What do you know about the company?
- Why did you apply?
- Why should we hire you?
- Do you have any questions for us? (Interviewee should not forget this one please)
- What is your definition of…? (Insert words aligned with core values)
- In 5 minutes, can you explain something complicated, but you know well?
- What makes you excited to get up and be productive each day?
- Tell me about a bad professional relationship you have had and why it did not work.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
So many other great questions…as long as they are sincere in their effort to learn something about the person you are talking with. My favorite question is…
What is the most common misconception people have of you and why is that?
Think about it.