Favorite Questions of Executive Recruiters

Interview questions can be straightforward about work, skills, experience and career goals. Or, they can help you assess your candidate's ability to think on his feet, his interests, her work style preferences and more. Barbara Walters asked Katherine Hepburn, "If you were a tree, what kind would you be?"

For Hepburn's response, you'll need to read the article. I guessed right. How about you?

Importantly, you need to develop a series of questions that work for you, over time, to give you insight into the knowledge, capabilities and behavioral traits of your candidates. One of my favorite questions is, "What books have you read recently?" A software company president likes to ask, "I want to be sure you know who we are. Tell me what you understand about our culture, our challenges and our goals."

An important question is, "What more would you like to know about this company?" Candidates who ask questions tell you a lot about their interests - and their interest in you. Executive recruiters, who interview people frequently, have questions they use to seek specific information. Find out more at the excellent Wall Street Journal Career Journal website in Favorite Questions of Executive Recruiters.

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