Download the PDF: https://www.demandmetric.com/content/conducting-insightful-interviews
Considering how important the interview process is for scrutinizing potential employees, it is
surprising that most organizations do not have a formal set of interview questions. Don’t misread
another hire because you didn’t take the time to plan for the interview accordingly.
What Types of Questions NEED to be Asked?
Situational - what previous experiences will help/hinder this prospective employee with success
at your organization? Can your prospect articulate their problem-solving or critical thinking skills
effectively? What type of management style is this prospect used to? Will they fit your culture?
Behavioral - how will this prospect react to various situations they will encounter in your work
environment? Can your prospect actively listen, and communicate well, both verbally and in
business writing? How has this prospect handled pressure in the past, or dealt with a work-related
conflict?
Attitudinal - Does this prospect have a genuinely positive attitude, or are they just acting excited
for interviewing purposes? Is your prospect an optimist or a pessimist; both can be useful
depending on the role you need. What are the career plans for this prospect; are they an overachiever?
Self-Awareness - can this person paint an accurate picture of their capabilities and constraints?
Does your prospect have plans for building on their deficiencies? How coachable will this person
be? Are they defensive?
Skills - some positions require specific skills; ensure your prospect has them.
Knowledge-Based - many positions require specific expertise; test for it.
2. 2 Conducting Insightful Interviews How-to Guide
Conducting Insightful Interviews
Considering how important the interview process is for scrutinizing potential employees, it is
surprising that most organizations do not have a formal set of interview questions. Don’t misread
another hire because you didn’t take the time to plan for the interview accordingly.
Use Demand Metric’s Interview Questions Tool to create a list of standardized interview
questions from your perspective.
Situational - what previous experiences will help/hinder this prospective employee with success
at your organization? Can your prospect articulate their problem-solving or critical thinking skills
effectively? What type of management style is this prospect used to? Will they fit your culture?
Behavioral - how will this prospect react to various situations they will encounter in your work
environment? Can your prospect actively listen, and communicate well, both verbally and in
business writing? How has this prospect handled pressure in the past, or dealt with a work-related
conflict?
Attitudinal - Does this prospect have a genuinely positive attitude, or are they just acting excited
for interviewing purposes? Is your prospect an optimist or a pessimist; both can be useful
depending on the role you need. What are the career plans for this prospect; are they an over-
achiever?
Self-Awareness - can this person paint an accurate picture of their capabilities and constraints?
Does your prospect have plans for building on their deficiencies? How coachable will this person
be? Are they defensive?
Skills - some positions require specific skills; ensure your prospect has them.
Knowledge-Based - many positions require specific expertise; test for it.
What Types of Questions NEED to be Asked?
HOW-TO GUIDE
3. 3 Conducting Insightful Interviews How-to Guide
1
2
3
Be Prepared
Conduct your
Interviews
Share your
Approach
Action Plan
STEP 1 - Be Prepared
Welcome to the Interview
Questions Tool
Use Demand Metric’s Interview
Questions Tool to create a set of
standardized questions you can
reuse for future interviews.
V I E W R E S O U R C E
Interview Questions Tool
4. 4 Conducting Insightful Interviews How-to Guide
1
2
3
Be Prepared
Conduct your
Interviews
Share your
Approach
Action Plan
STEP 2 - Conduct your Interviews
Verbal and Body Language
Tell the Story Together
Use your Interview Questions
Tool to control the discussion.
Listen carefully to each response
and read body language.
V I E W R E S O U R C E
Interview Questions Tool
5. 5 Conducting Insightful Interviews How-to Guide
2
3
Conduct your
Interviews
Share your
Approach
Show leadership and make your tool available
to all.
Action Plan
STEP 3 - Share your Approach
1 Be Prepared
Interview Evaluation Matrix
Interview Questions Tool
V I E W R E S O U R C E
V I E W R E S O U R C E
Share Your Tool to Help
Your Team