Ten Strong Open Ended Questions For Job Interviewers To Ask
A colleague asked me to take a look at questions she's prepared for interviewing a candidate. It was her first interview at our agency. Hers were very job-technical. I always preferred questions that address someone's values, character, and interpersonal style... can teach the job, can't teach good values.
Asked ChatGPT to give me a quick list so I could give to her before her interview that day... got this list, which I like.
1. “What experience—inside or outside of work—has most shaped how you approach people and problems?”
Reveals influences, empathy, and worldview.
2. “When you think about a time you felt proud of your work, what made it meaningful to you?”
Highlights values, intrinsic motivation, and standards.
3. “Tell me about a situation where you had to choose between two competing priorities. How did you decide?”
Shows judgment, ethics, and decision-making style.
4. “What kind of feedback do you find hardest to hear, and how do you typically respond to it?”
Tests self-awareness, humility, and growth mindset.
5. “Describe a time you disagreed with someone you respected. How did you handle it?”
Reveals communication style, respect for others, and emotional maturity.
6. “What does ‘doing a good job’ mean to you when no one is watching?”
Gets at integrity, accountability, and internal compass.
7. “When you’re under stress or things aren’t going well, what helps you stay effective?”
Surfaces resilience, coping strategies, and self-management.
8. “Who have been the best people you’ve worked with, and what made them great teammates in your eyes?”
Often reflects what the candidate values and tries to emulate.
9. “If we asked people who’ve worked closely with you to describe you, what would they say—and what might they say you’re still working on?”
Balances strengths with honesty about limitations.
10. “What kind of work environment brings out your best—and your worst?”
Helps assess culture fit and self-knowledge.
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