Learning About a Candidate’s Job History

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When trying to fill an open position at your company, every applicant you encounter will have some type of work history — with the exception of those vying for entry-level jobs. Take advantage of this by learning as much as possible about what the person learned from past positions and why they chose them in the first place.

There’s no exact science to choosing the right person for the job, but past behavior is the best predictor of future performance. Gaining insights on the person’s career history can help you decide if they’re right for the opening at your company.

Work these five questions into every job interview to learn as much as possible about each candidate’s employment history.

  1. Tell me about what led you to this career path.
  2. What did you like and dislike most about your most recent job?
  3. Explain the greatest challenge you faced in a past position and how you overcame it.
  4. What career accomplishment are you most proud of to date?
  5. Looking back on your job history, which position was the most rewarding. Why?

Job History Details Can Provide Key Information

There’s no telling what information you’ll uncover when taking a candidate down memory lane. You may discover they simply fell into their current career path and stayed there for convenience, or they’re deeply passionate about the work and truly want to make a difference. This also gives you glimpse at their work style, so you can gauge their overall fit for the team.

When listening to their responses, take note of career high points relevant to the position you’re trying to fill. If the person calls out accomplishments and positive aspects of previous jobs similar to the one they’re interviewing for, this is a good sign. However, if their greatest professional moments involve skills and experiences that don’t relate to the job, move on to the next candidate.

Searching for a bright, energetic, talented professional to join your Los Angeles or Ventura County company? Contact Barrington Staffing. As one of the leading employment agencies in the area, we know what it takes to reach your goals.

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