8 Questions To Ask Job Candidates Before a Background Check

Hiring the right employees is critical for a small business owner and manager’s success. Asking the following questions during an interview before investing time and resources and into background checks can ensure you’re selecting the best candidates. These questions also provide a few helpful insights and things to keep in mind as you review the screening results. Here are eight questions to ask job candidates before a background check.

What Can You Tell Me About Yourself?

This open-ended question gives candidates a chance to highlight their skills, experiences, and personality. It also helps you understand their communication style and gives you a first impression of whether they will fit your company’s culture.

How Did You Hear About This Position?

Learning how a candidate found out about your job opening grants insights into their motivation and enthusiasm. This question reveals a lot, such as whether an employee referred them, found the posting on a job board, or actively sought out your company.

What Interests You About This Role?

This question assesses whether the candidate has a genuine interest in the job and if they understand the responsibilities and expectations. This question also gauges whether the candidate’s career goals align with what your business offers.

Can You Describe a Challenging Work Situation and How You Handled It?

A classic question. Asking this question allows you to evaluate the candidate’s problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. Look for responses that demonstrate adaptability, critical thinking, and a positive outcome.

Can You Provide References?

Requesting references allows you to verify the candidate’s past performance and work ethic. It’s an essential step before moving forward with a background check. It also supports the next question.

Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?

This question provides insight into the candidate’s career progression and reasons for seeking new opportunities. Listen carefully for any red flags, such as negative remarks about previous employers. It will also be worth coming back to their answers after receiving screening results and talking to their references.

How Do You Handle Feedback?

Understanding how candidates receive and respond to feedback is necessary for assessing their ability to grow and improve within your company. Look for candidates who view feedback as an opportunity for development.

Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

Here’s a turnabout! A candidate’s questions reveal much about their interest in the role and your company. It also provides an opportunity to address any concerns they might have.

These eight questions to ask job candidates before a background check, coupled with the economic impact of background checks, can help you identify suitable candidates. After all, better candidates and background checks are best for your company’s bottom line!