This article comes from Entrepreneur.

7 Interview Questions for Any Prospective Employee

While numerous behavioral- and personality-profile models exist to lean on, I’ve spent two decades developing a series of questions that have consistently helped to bring some critical characteristics to the surface in an interview. Here are seven of them, with examples of how they might be articulated.

1. Past Work Culture Experience

A question that delves into past experiences within working cultures and extrapolates where future environments may/may not align. For example: Creating the right culture is important for our company. Can you share details on a time you were in a toxic work environment, and how did management handle the situation? Describe when you were in a wonderful work environment and what management did correctly.

2. Management Style

Deciphering how the candidates prefer to be managed as a key to ensuring management-style alignment. For example: Taking guidance from leaders is a critical part of any working arrangement. Describe how you like to be managed and how would you describe the ideal leader for your personality style?

3. Long-term Commitment

Understanding motivations and expectations for long-term engagement. For example: We believe in long-term retention, and so we are cautious on the type of candidate we onboard. If you were going to commit to helping build this company long-term, what would it take for you to be happy and motivated?

4. Personal Growth and Needs

Perspectives on their self-awareness of personal growth objectives and needs. For example: We all have challenges we are working to overcome. If you had to assess your challenges, where would be areas that you would focus to develop and look for support to improve?

5. Communication

Communication competence and tolerance for different interaction styles. For example: We all have different communication and coordination styles. What is the method you most effectively consolidate new information to inform your work, and what is your preferred communication style to align with your leadership and stakeholders?

6. Self Confidence

Determining ability and comfort to advocate for their ideas and opinions. For example: You have had a chance to review our company information. If you were asked to come up with an innovative method for us to increase revenue or reduce expenses, what options might you propose?

7. Personal Moral Imperatives

Understanding potential “no-fly zones,” such as personal moral imperatives. For example: Our goal is to have employees as strong promoters of the company and believers in the mission and objectives. Can you provide some scenarios that would force you to reconsider your commitment to the company and potentially part ways?’

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