Some of the more creative hiring managers like to use humor during the initial interview. This is often done by asking off-the-wall or unexpected questions. Not only does this ease some of the anxiety for the job applicant, but it also opens friendly talk right from the start. Building trust and a good rapport with applicants often leads to more detailed responses.

Many find this tactic to be a waste of time. Some employers would rather focus on relevant questions that apply to the actual job. While this may be true in some cases, the answers provided to unique questions can provide more insight into an applicant’s background, attitude, and demeanor.  Automation Personnel Services, one of the largest staffing firms in the U.S., explains three reasons that non-traditional interview questions are more effective during hiring.

1. Answering off the wall interview questions can show off the recruit’s ability to think on their feet.

Because these questions are always unexpected, job seekers are forced out of their comfort zone. They’re also forced to adjust from any routine they may have practiced. Hiring managers don’t do this to be mean. Instead, it’s done to gauge how well a job applicant performs when made to adapt and overcome new challenges they were not prepared for.

2. Asking off the wall interview questions gives recruits the ability to highlight their unique personalities.

Asking about their hobbies can be a great icebreaker. You might even offer some insight into your background to make them feel more comfortable. Every job applicant is unique. They all have individual skills, quirks, and shortcomings that need to be uncovered in order for them to reach their maximum potential. Proactive hiring managers can achieve this by asking detailed and complex questions. Inquiring about their reason for leaving past jobs, what they hope to achieve with your company and their future goals are a great way to shift the focus of the typical interview to reveal the character and personality of the recruit.

3. Asking the right interview questions helps you identify recruits that fit your corporate culture.

Most businesses have an established and well-defined corporate culture. To get the most from your new hires, it’s critical that they are able to match this culture and blend in with their co-workers. However, it isn’t always easy to determine who fits and who doesn’t. In this case, asking questions that relate specifically to your culture can work wonders when narrowing the field of applicants. Don’t be afraid to ask about their previous work cultures and their ability to embrace new rules, standards, and guidelines. Those who can’t will likely need to be overlooked.

While there is a lot to be said for approaching each interview by the book, those who introduce some fun and excitement into the process will find it far more enjoyable for everyone. Not only does this result in a smoother interview, but it’s easier to find the right talent you need for each opening on your roster, too.  Here are five questions you can consider adding to your next interview to help identify the strongest applicants to work for your company.

1. Explain the last time you acted as a leader or took on any leadership responsibilities. OR  Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
2. Tell me about a difficult decision you’ve made in the last year.
3. Say we finish the interview and you step outside the office and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $1 Million Dollars, what would you do next?
4. If I were to hire you for this job and I granted you three promises with regard to working here, what would they be?
5. What are you known for?

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Let Automation Personnel Services, Inc., a two-time winner of Inavero’s Best of Staffing ® Client Satisfaction Award do the hiring for you. Automation Personnel Services, Inc. is ready to bring your company the best employees. Contact us today to get started on working with one of the largest staffing firms in the U.S.