Small Business Questions

When it comes to hiring employees, there are some pretty big differences between hiring for a large corporation and hiring for a small business. In a larger business, even if someone isn’t pulling their weight, their load can be picked up by someone else. In a small business, with only a few employees, everyone has to keep up the pace or your business will suffer. Finding and hiring the right employees is essential.

Here are seven interview questions that every small business owner should ask potential new hires.

1. Are You Able to Work Independently?

You likely have your hands full with a lot of things, and you don’t have time to stand over an employee and watch their every move. 

You need to know that they will be able to do their job without needing help every few minutes, or having to always stop and ask questions. 

This wastes their time and yours, and nothing is going to get done.

2. Can You Give Me an Example of a Problem You Have Resolved?

In any business, problems can and will crop up from time to time. 

You may not always be there to handle a problem, and you need to know that the person you hire is able to think on their feet and find solutions. 

Ask if they can give you examples of problems that they have resolved at past jobs. 

Throughout the interview, watch their body language to see if anything makes them uncomfortable, which may be a sign that they are not the right person for the job.

3. Where Do You See Yourself This Time Next Year?

You need to know that anyone you hire is going to be there for the long haul. 

As a small business owner, you likely don’t have the time or resources to hire someone else just a few months after thinking that you have found the ideal employee. 

The answer you want to hear is that they want to be with your company to help it grow and succeed.

4. Discuss a Time When You Resolved a Customer Complaint

When you are not able to be there in person, you need to know that you have an employee who can handle any customer complaints and issues without having to get you to step in. 

Ask candidates if they have resolved customer complaints, and then ask them to explain in detail how they were able to resolve those problems.

5. Name Something You Have Done That Wasn’t in Your Job Description

There are times when you might need your employee to go above and beyond their job description. 

Then, there are some employees who just do this automatically. 

Ask candidates if they have done things to help their previous employers that was not something they were expected to do. 

One of the most common resume mistakes is not adding things that will make the candidate stand out.

6. Why Do You Want to Work at a Small Business?

This is one of the most important questions you need to ask. 

A lot of candidates apply to the jobs offered by larger corporations because, in many cases, they are able to offer more competitive benefits and pay. 

You need to know why someone would choose your company instead.

7. Can We Schedule a Less Formal Interview, Possibly Over Lunch?

If you are really interested in a particular candidate, you need to find out if you are going to be able to work with them. 

Ask them to meet you for lunch, and you can discuss the position further and see if this person is really going to be a good fit with your small business.

Source: https://www.manta.com/resources/small-business-experts/7-interview-questions-every-small-business-owner-ask/

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