​10 Essential Interview Questions to Test a Candidate’s Attitude

You’ve found the ideal candidate with perfect qualifications, but do they have the right attitude?

Attitude is something we can’t see and yet tremendously influences the outcome of our decisions. When it comes to an interview, testing a candidate’s attitude is vital to find the best person for the job. In this post, we'll take a look at 10 essential questions you can use to determine a candidate’s attitude during the interview process.


Introduction

Attitude can be hard to gauge from a CV or cover letter, making it all the more important to ask the right questions to test a candidate’s attitude in an interview.

10 Essential Interview Questions to Test a Candidate’s Attitude

To better understand a candidate’s attitude, consider the following 10 questions to explore their experiences and mindset. The answers that the candidate will give can provide valuable insight into a candidate’s attitude and how they could potentially fit into the company.

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• Describe a time when you encountered a challenging situation and how you dealt with it.
  This question reveals a candidate’s problem-solving skills and how they think on their feet. Challenging situations arise in any job, and the way a candidate has handled difficult scenarios in their past job can give you insight into how they’ll respond in the future.

• What do you think makes a successful team?
  A person’s attitude towards teamwork is essential, especially for most jobs. A person’s answer to this question will tell you a lot about how they work with others, be it collaboration, leadership, communication, or problem-solving.

• Describe a time when you had to take the initiative and show leadership.
  This question can help you determine if a candidate is self-motivated and capable of leading and taking initiative. Leadership is a skill that’s essential for any role, so this question should be asked to get an idea of how a candidate handles a management or leadership function.

• What has been the most difficult decision you had to make in your career?
  Asking this question gives you an insight into a candidate’s ability to make tough decisions often required in a workplace. It can also show their attitude towards sticking with their decision and how they reflect on it in hindsight.

• What do you think it takes to be successful in this job?
  The answer to this question can give you an idea of how a candidate sees their role and what they need to do to excel in it. It will also provide insight into their attitude towards success and how they view their responsibilities.

• Describe a time when you had a conflict with a colleague or supervisor and how you handled it.
  Conflict is inevitable in any workplace. Asking this question allows you to get a clear idea of how a candidate sees themselves and how they interact with others in a professional setting. It can also help you understand how a candidate responds to criticism and handles difficult conversations.

• Tell me about a project that you are proud of.
  This question gives you a glimpse into a candidate’s attitude towards the work they do and the pride they take in their accomplishments. It can also help you understand their approach to problem-solving and the obstacles they faced to complete the project.

• Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty.
  This question speaks to a candidate’s work ethic and whether they’re willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. It can also show their attitude when it comes to dedication and hard work, which may be indicative of their future performance on the job.

• How do you handle stress and pressure?
  No matter the job, there are going to be moments of stress and pressure. Asking this question allows you to see how a candidate handles these situations and how their attitude can help them cope with the demands of the job.

• What do you think are the most important qualities for someone in this role to have?
  Answering this question tells you how a candidate views the role, and what skills and qualities they think are important for success. Their attitude towards the role can help you determine whether they’re the right person for the job.

Conclusion

Asking these questions can be a great way to gauge a candidate’s attitude during the interview process. A person’s attitude can tell you a lot about their work ethic, how they interact with others, their problem-solving skills, and whether they’re the right fit for the job.

By asking the 10 essential questions outlined above, you can be sure you’re making the right decision when it comes to finding the best candidate.