Small Business Interview Questions And Answers
Nothing is certain, of course, but the five questions below will help you see deeper into the candidate's mind and make the best decision for your business.
1. Give an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision
Small businesses are, by definition, small. That means that everyone has to share the responsibility. You need employees who can take initiative when necessary and plan. This question forces candidates to demonstrate that they have had to deal with these make-a-call-and-make-it-now circumstances.
2. Give an example of a time when you exceeded expectations
This question gives the candidate a chance to brag about their accomplishments, but the real value can be found in analysing their approach and thought processes.
Some candidates exceed expectations because little is expected of them in the first place. Others exceed expectations because they understand the root causes of a problem and the nature of the circumstances. Then they take action based on those understandings.
You'll know if you’ve found the latter based on how the candidate describes the problems faced and their approach to the situation.
3. Convince me that you can adapt to a wide range of people, situations and environments
The goal of this question is two-fold.
First, employees that can adapt to a variety of circumstances are crucial in a small business environment. At some point, it's likely that they will be asked to do something that is outside their normal job description. Employees have to be OK with that and capable of handling such a change.
Additionally, you are asking them to convince you of something. This will give you an insight into how persuasive the candidate can be. Persuasion is critical in small business. In many situations, you are competing against businesses with more money, more resources, and more contacts. If you can't be persuasive, then you will lose.
4. What have you done that demonstrates initiative and willingness to work?
In all likelihood, your employees will be trained on-the-job. It is important to hire individuals that take action and aren't afraid to get into the thick of things. There are few rotational leadership programs or well-organised training courses in small business. Employees need to be willing to work through the sticking points when they come along.
Moreover, running a successful small business is all about trust. You need employees that you can depend on and believe in, even when you aren't around. If you fill your office with individuals that are self-motivated and take action, then you can be sure that business is moving forward.
5. Why should we hire you?
In a small business environment, candidates will have to prove themselves repeatedly. Give them a chance to prove themselves right away.
This question is the perfect way to open things and allow the candidate to show you what they bring to the table. It's also an opportunity for them to display talents that you might not have thought to ask about during the interview.
Sometimes the most compelling qualities are hidden within our stories. A good hiring manager can pull those stories out as the conversation progresses and this question helps to accomplish that.