10 Questions to Ask When Hiring High-Performing Employees

Hiring high-performing employees is essential for building a successful and efficient team. The interview process is your opportunity to identify candidates with the skills, attitude, and potential to excel in their roles. Asking the right questions can help uncover a candidate’s capabilities and fit for your organization. Here are ten key questions to consider: 

1. Can you share an example of a time you exceeded expectations in your role? 

This question allows candidates to showcase their achievements and problem-solving skills. High-performing employees often have a track record of going above and beyond. 

2. How do you prioritize and manage your workload when deadlines are tight? 

Time management is critical for high performers. Their response will reveal how they handle pressure and stay organized in fast-paced environments. 

3. What motivates you to perform at your best?

Understanding what drives a candidate helps you gauge their long-term engagement and alignment with your company’s culture. 

4. Can you describe a challenging project and how you managed it? 

This question assesses a candidate’s resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. High-performing employees often demonstrate resourcefulness and adaptability under challenging situations.

5. How do you measure success in your work? 

Their answers provide insight into their personal and professional values, helping you determine whether they align with your organization’s goals and expectations. 

6. How do you approach learning new skills or technologies? 

Continuous learning is a hallmark of top performers. Look for candidates who embrace opportunities to grow and develop their expertise. 

7. What steps do you take to collaborate effectively with a team? 

Teamwork is often crucial for high performance. This question uncovers how a candidate contributes to team dynamics and resolves conflicts.

8. Can you provide an example of feedback you received and how you acted on it? 

High performers value constructive feedback and use it to improve. Their response will indicate their openness to growth and adaptability. 

9. What would you do in your first 90 days in this role? 

This question reveals a candidate’s initiative and strategic thinking. High-performing employees often have clear plans for making an immediate impact. 

10. Why do you want to work for our company? 

Motivated employees are typically more engaged and productive. A thoughtful response shows they’ve done their research and genuinely align with your mission and values.

Tips for Using These Questions Effectively

• Tailor Questions to the Role: Customize these questions to address the specific responsibilities and challenges of the position.
• Listen for Depth: Pay attention to how candidates articulate their answers. Look for detailed examples and genuine enthusiasm.
• Evaluate Soft Skills: Beyond technical expertise, high-performing employees possess strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Asking these 10 questions can give you valuable insights into a candidate’s abilities, mindset, and potential for success. This thoughtful approach to interviewing helps you identify high-performing employees who will thrive in your organization and contribute to its long-term success.