I am pleased to present this article from Alan Murray, webmaster of http://www.interviewquestions.name/, where Alan provides a lot of great interview advice.
Interview Questions for Employers
If you are tasked to conduct a job interview for your company, one of the most important things that you should always keep in mind is the fact that the main purpose of the interview is to get to know the candidate better. You are there to ask and listen, not to talk. To be specific, eighty percent of the entire interview process should be spent on listening to your candidate. Only twenty percent will provide you with a chance to talk- and that talking should be comprised of questions. To make sure than you can make the most out of your little talk, below are the major kinds of questions that you ought to ask:
Conflict analysis
Provide questions that will determine if the candidate is capable of handling conflict, time demands, constraints, and criticism. You can opt to ask about the candidate’s experiences with a hostile client or colleague. You can also ask about their alternative plan of action once they are faced with unforeseen hindrances in achieving their goals.
Analytical problem solving
Ask questions that will help you determine if the candidate is capable of following a logical and systematic approach in solving a problem. You can ask the candidate to narrate a specific incident where he applied logic and good judgment in addressing a certain problem that he had in the past.
Decision assessment
Include questions that will help you gauge if the candidate can make sound decisions quickly and rationally. Provide a specific situation that is mired with tension and pressure, then ask the candidate regarding the decisions that he will make along with the reasons that he have.
Work commitment
These questions will give you an idea about the persistence and dedication of the candidate with regards to the job that he aspires. You can ask about the various factors that motivate and encourage the candidate. You can also ask about a particular situation when he was required to go beyond his normal duties in order to accomplish a certain task that was essential for his job.