Want to hire the right talent? Then you need to prepare a list of the best interview questions to ask candidates. Doing so can be the difference between finding an exceptional employee or making a costly hiring mistake.

The questions you raise can reveal crucial insights about potential team members that aren't visible on paper. Whether you're preparing for an interview or developing your recruitment strategy, the best interview questions to ask candidates will help you make informed hiring decisions.

Carefully selecting questions to ask an interviewee will help you identify top talent while ensuring alignment with your organization's values and goals. Let's explore the most impactful strategic questions to ask candidates.

 

Question #1: Describe Your Ideal Work Environment

This is one of the most revealing questions to ask a candidate in an interview. The response you get provides valuable insights into whether a candidate will thrive in your organization's environment. 
 
 
Pay attention to specifics about their preferred communication style, workspace preferences, and team dynamics.
 

Question #2: Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

Career trajectory questions to ask an interviewee are essential when evaluating potential hires. This helps identify ambitious professionals while spotting any potential concerns around a lack of foresight and vision. 
 
 
The best candidates will show both personal drive and an understanding of how their goals fit within your organization's structure.
 

Question #3: What Type of Company Culture Helps You Thrive?

Among the best interview questions to ask candidates, this one reveals compatibility with your workplace culture. When discussing workplace preferences, candidates often reveal their true selves through examples of past experiences. 
 
 
This is one of the top questions to ask in an interview as an employer because it helps predict how well they'll integrate into your team and contribute.
 

Question #4: What Management Style Brings Out Your Best Work?

This is one of the most unique interview questions to ask candidates. Why? Because it helps interviewers understand how to support and motivate potential hires effectively. 
 
 
Listen for specific examples of positive past experiences with leadership and signs of adaptability to different management styles.
 

Question #5: What Interests Do You Pursue Outside of Work?

This is one of the more revealing questions to ask an interviewee that can shed some insight on who they are beyond the job. This query also helps assess work-life balance and personal growth mindset. 
 
 
The best candidates will demonstrate how their outside interests contribute to their professional development and energy at work.
 

Question #6: What Interests You Most About Our Company?

As one of the key questions to ask an interviewee, their answers reveal how well candidates have researched your organization. Look for specific examples that show genuine interest and alignment with your company's mission. 
 
 
It could be a red flag if they give you generic responses about company size or reputation.
 

Question #7: How Flexible Are You With Location and Work Arrangements?

When considering questions to ask in an interview as an employer, this one helps set clear expectations about work arrangements. Candidates' responses can highlight their adaptability to your workplace requirements.
 

Question #8: What Drives You in Your Career?

This ranks among the best interview questions to ask candidates as it reveals long-term motivation and cultural fit. Listen for alignment between their driving forces and your organization's values and opportunities.
 

Question #9: Describe a Significant Professional Challenge or Failing You Overcame

This is one of the best interview questions to ask candidates that’s particularly effective at screening behavior. A candidate’s answer will help you assess their problem-solving abilities and resilience. Look for structured responses that demonstrate analytical thinking and perseverance.
 

Question #10: Tell Me About the Time You Took a Break Between Roles. What Did You Learn?

You may have qualified candidates who have noticeable gaps of unemployment. This thoughtful question to ask an interviewee provides candidates the opportunity to explain career breaks constructively. 
 
Listen for examples of personal growth, continued learning, or life experiences that may have enhanced their professional perspective. 
 

Where to Find Your Next Great Hire

You’re now armed with the right questions to ask in an interview as an employer. But how and where do you find your next great hire? 
 
At Nesco Resource, we specialize in connecting businesses with exceptional talent and helping organizations optimize their hiring processes. Explore our comprehensive staffing and recruitment services today. Let us help you find the right fit for your business.