When you interview a potential employee for either short or long term positions you have to make certain assumptions about their skills, ability, and interest before making a job offer. So how can you gauge applicants during the interview to make sure they’ll be a good fit for the position? Here are ten tips and the questions you can ask to help determine the answer.
1. How do you identify and solve problems?
Every position represents a problem that needs to be solved. A good candidate can identify that and provide their solution.
2. What if you see a flaw in processes?
While procedure is important, finding flaws in that procedure is also essential. What happens then and what are they willing to do about it?
3. How would you solve this shipyard problem?
The marine industry is very specialized, so ask very specific questions about your shipyard.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Everyone has a career path. If they don’t know what they want to do in the next decade it could be a red flag.
5. How do you want to grow your career?
Now that you know what they want to do, find out how they intend to do it and whether or not your company can help.
6. Do you like change or routine?
Some people thrive on change while others get upset if their routine is upended. Which are they and how will this job affect their style.
7. Do you like to innovate on the job?
Even a career path as specific as that in a shipyard can benefit from creative thinking. What do they bring to the table that can improve your company?
8. What would be your perfect job?
If you don’t ask, you can’t know. While your job may not match this exactly, you can find out if they are on the right track with your core values and mission.
9. How do you stay motivated?
Yes, it is up to a manager to motivate the staff, but motivation can be impossible if you’re not speaking the same language about it.
10. What is your preferred management style?
In that same way, it helps for you to ask what they are expecting out of a manager. Someone who prefers hands-off may not thrive in an environment where management is highly involved.
Work with a leader in shipyard staffing.
Are you ready to interview new candidates for shipyard positions? Contact the team at Hutco to see how we can help.