To really uncover what is not on the resume you need to be a researcher, and investigator and navigate a real true honest conversation with the candidate. Interviewing for what is not on the resume is a powerful strategy to uncover qualities, skills, and experiences that may not be explicitly listed. Here are a few of my secrets as a long-time recruiter, to help me get to know the strength of the candidate, and just as important, their ability to thrive and be successful within a company's culture.
1. Ask About Gaps or Transitions
Can you walk me through a period when you were between jobs or making a significant career transition? What were you doing during that time? This helps reveal the candidate’s resilience, decision-making process, and how they manage uncertainty.
2. Explore Personal Projects or Passions
Tell me about any personal projects, hobbies, or volunteer work you have been involved in. How have they influenced your professional development? This can provide insight into the candidate’s creativity, commitment, and the skills they have developed outside of formal employment.
3. Inquire About Soft Skills
Can you describe a situation where you had to rely on your communication, leadership, or conflict-resolution skills? This focuses on critical soft skills that are often not detailed on a resume.
4. Probe for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge that was not related to your job responsibilities. How did you approach it? This question digs into the candidate’s problem-solving abilities and how they manage unexpected situations.
5. Ask About Values and Motivations
What drives you in your professional life, and how do those motivations align with your personal values? Understanding a candidate’s core values can indicate how well they will fit into the company culture.
6. Uncover Learning and Growth Experiences
Can you share an experience where you learned something new outside of a formal job setting? How did it impact your career? This can reveal the candidate’s willingness to learn and adapt, which is crucial for growth.
Not only with these questions help you determine a candidate's abilities for a specific role, they will also help you build out an open conversation to really get to know the person in front of you so you can make better, long-term hiring decisions.
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