How Can I Probe for an Applicant’s Weaknesses?
Ask questions about areas of past jobs that were likely to have caused problems. Find out how the individual handled them. For example:
- What aspects of your previous jobs gave you the most trouble?
- What are some of the disappointments you have had in your last job?
- In what areas did you need help or guidance from your supervisor?
- For what things have your mangers complimented you? Criticized you?
- What did you like most about your past jobs? How about the things you liked least?
Tell Me More
Note how you can begin by asking about positives, then lead into the negatives. From the answers to the negatives, you can identify weak points that may be pertinent to the candidate’s ability to do the job.
If you feel that an applicant is holding something back in answer to a question, don’t ask further questions. Rather, be quiet. It is difficult for most people to tolerate silence. If you don’t respond immediately, the candidate may keep talking. After listening to the applicant’s response to the question, wait about five seconds before asking the next question. You will be surprised at how often an applicant fills in the silence with something—positive or negative—that adds to the response.