Rethink your process. Are you asking the right interview questions?
Rethink your process. Are you asking the right interview questions?Because every job presents different challenges, it is important to have employees who can adapt to a wide variety of situations. To achieve this, you need to sort out your potential candidates by asking a series of adaptability questions that gauge flexibility.
We’ve listed ten questions that can help you determine which candidates will be best suited for change when it arrives.
Ask these adaptability interview questions to find your next employee.
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How do you adjust to changes that you have no control over?
This is a standard adaptability question you can ask, and an important one, at that. The answer to this question will help you determine how the candidate might handle adversity down the road.
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What are the greatest challenges you face when starting a new job?
Every job is different and for each candidate the challenges will vary when faced with getting accustomed to a new role and employer. Ask your prospective employees what they believe might be some challenges they could face at your company. While most new positions have a learning curve, a candidate should approach it as a welcome challenge, not as a burden.
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How do you approach a new and unfamiliar task?
How an employee chooses to approach a new task says a lot about them and their abilities. The answer should touch on researching and understanding the job before starting it. You will find your creative and innovative types here.
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A project’s direction changes suddenly. What do you do?
When a project changes direction quickly due to internal changes or stakeholder demands, it requires adaptability under pressure. Your prospects should outline their decision-making process here, letting you know if they can adapt.
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How do you prepare for impending changes?
It is vital to adapt quickly to changes, starting with before they even arrive. While reacting to unexpected change is one skill, planning for an expected change requires different characteristics. Listening to your candidates discuss their preparation strategies will reveal a lot of what you need to know.
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How do you adjust your work style when working in a team?
Everyone works differently and to be successful in any setting you have to work together. Candidates who show a willingness to work with others to achieve a common goal should be noted.
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Tell me about a significant change in your life. What did you do to adapt to handle it?
This question can apply to anything work-related or personal. The point of this question is to see how the candidate reacts and handles adversity. The answers may surprise you as each candidate will likely have different answers from the others.
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What is your experience with technology? What initiatives have you taken to educate yourself on new technology?
New technology is popping up each day and it requires an open mind. You do not want employees that are resistant to procedural or organizational change that affect their day-to-day responsibilities. They must have an open mind that can adapt to new software quickly.
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How would you suggest and implement a change in the company?
Adaptability is not only reacting to a situation but also spotting it. A person who can see when change is needed and can approach management about it is invaluable. Look for this trait in candidates.
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Have you ever been frustrated by change?
It is essential to decipher if any of your prospects are prone to frustration. By asking this question, you may be able to find out if your candidates have dealt poorly with change before.
Go further!
The interview process is not something that hiring managers should take lightly. In addition to adaptability questions, hiring managers should ask a variety of behavioral questions, personality questions, and second interview questions. These questions can help you decipher which candidates are ready to take on the job.
Even more, executive recruiters can help you identify potential candidates. Recruiters like TruPath have a tried-and-true process that allows them to source industry professionals. Their experience has afforded them the knowledge to ask pointed adaptability interview questions and more to pinpoint qualified candidates that recognize and respect the hiring companies mission and goals.
Leave the candidate search to the professionals! Find out how TruPath can help you in finding your next professional at 1-844-TRUPATH.