Asking the Most Important Interview Question

Hiring managers, recruiters, and HR professionals have long lists of interview questions. These questions are designed to find what a prospective employee has done in the past, what types of experience they have, and how they might fit in to the company culture. Although these questions are an important part of an interview, they can also be rehearsed and practiced by the candidate.  The bottom line is that an interviewer has a few minutes to determine if the candidate is viable. That time should be used by asking thoughtful questions that moves the candidate outside of their comfort zone.

The Most Important Question

A popular interview question is, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” This question is asked to determine if the candidate has goals and aspirations. 100% of candidates will answer something along the lines of, “I want to be part of a company where I can lay down roots, develop, and grow.” Good answer. However, it’s also an incredibly easy question to answer.  Now is the moment to ask the most important interview question. Here it is:

“What will you do to get yourself to that point 5 years from now?”

Why you should ask it

This single question should be asked during every interview.  It requires the applicant to demonstrate their initiative, and it shows how much thought they have given to this. Anybody can say where they want to be in 5 years. Most people would like to be in Hawaii sipping a Pina colada. When somebody wants something, they need some sort of a plan to get it. Companies desire employees that can formulate and follow a plan. This question will for sure help you figure out if this is the right candidate.  The answer itself is not even what is most important. The critical factor is if the candidate has given any prior thought to this. Above all, it shows if they can logically answer a very telling question.

Set yourself apart

“What will you do to get yourself to that point 5 years from now?” All professionals conducting interviews should ask it every time. It will separate great employees from average ones. It will instill confidence in the companies that hire your recruitment services, and most of all, it will set you apart from your recruiting competitors.