What are your interests outside of work?

Earlier this month a friend was giving an update on his job search when he referenced the “what are your interests outside of work question”.

I had to ask ---- have you really been asked this question while interviewing? Yup --- he has.

Surely not in the past few years???? ---- Actually, he replies, last week.



Why? Why? Why?


Okay, I understand part of the “why” --- hiring managers think questions like “what do you do with your free time” and “what was the last book you read” provide insight into the psyche of the candidate. Realistically --- they don’t --- not in any type of reliable fashion. The BEST predictor of future behavior and success is past behavior…..not what three items a candidate would take with them to a deserted island.


“Tell me about a time you fundamentally disagreed with your boss or other person in authority on how to move forward with a project…... “ THAT will garner useful information! (…don’t forget about the follow-up questions).


Setting aside the lack of insight questions like “what color crayon would you be” provide, here’s another challenge ----- what if the interviewee responds with personal political or spiritual –laden information? Now you have information which you cannot legally use in your decision making process. Let’s say you don’t hire the person who just disclosed otherwise confidential, protected information….how would you prove you did NOT use the information in reaching your decision? (hmmmm….kind of like trying to un-ring a bell). It is, without question, a slippery slope.


The bottom line --- asking behaviorally based questions will improve your overall hiring process. Secure better hires, reduce legal issues and keep you from having to go through the hiring process every year for the same position by reducing turnover since you’ll be hiring the right candidate for the right job.


Save “What kind of tree would you be?” and “What’s your favorite movie?” for dating and pledging a…..for job interviews focus on behaviorally based questions that demonstrate essential competencies of the job.


All my best,
Nora B.

Nora A. Burns, SPHR is Founder and President of Insightful Endeavors International, (IEI), Inc. IEI specializes in building innovative, sustainable teams to drive bottom-line results. In addition to working with corporations and associations, IEI offers public workshops across the United States. Fall/Winter workshop registration is open.