10 good third-round interview questions
- What is something you’d be happy doing every day at work?
- What resources/training would enhance your performance?
- Tell me about a time you took on a task that was out of your regular job duties due to an emergency. What happened and how did you manage the new task?
- What is more important: delivering an OK project on time or delivering a perfect project after the deadline?
- How do you think you can contribute to our company’s goals?
- If hired, what do you hope to learn in your first five months here?
- Describe the most challenging project you’ve worked on so far. What made it challenging and how did you overcome the obstacles?
- How do you prioritize tasks when faced with tight deadlines?
- How do you handle feedback, especially when it’s critical?
- How do you ensure that you stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in your industry?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. What is something you’d be happy doing every day at work?
This question assesses the candidate’s passion and motivation for the role.
Sample answer:
“I’d be happy collaborating with a team and solving challenges. It’s what drives me and gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
2. What resources/training would enhance your performance?
This question gauges the candidate’s self-awareness and desire for professional growth.
Sample answer:
“I believe a course on advanced project management would be beneficial. It would provide me with strategies to handle multiple tasks efficiently.”
3. Tell me about a time you took on a task that was out of your regular job duties due to an emergency. What happened and how did you manage the new task?
This question evaluates adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Sample answer:
“Once, a team member unexpectedly took leave during a crucial project phase. I stepped in, quickly familiarized myself with their tasks, and ensured we met the deadline.”
4. What is more important: delivering an OK project on time or delivering a perfect project after the deadline?
This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of priorities.
Sample answer:
“Delivering on time is essential to maintain trust. I’d aim for the highest quality within the timeframe, but not at the expense of missing a deadline.”
5. How do you think you can contribute to our company’s goals?
This question evaluates the candidate’s understanding of the company’s objectives.
Sample answer:
“By bringing innovative solutions and a collaborative spirit, I believe I can drive projects forward and contribute to the company’s growth.”
6. If hired, what do you hope to learn in your first five months here?
This question gauges the candidate’s forward-thinking and eagerness to grow.
Sample answer:
“I hope to understand the company’s processes, culture, and key objectives. I’d also like to identify areas where I can immediately contribute.”
7. Describe the most challenging project you’ve worked on so far. What made it challenging and how did you overcome the obstacles?
This question assesses problem-solving skills and resilience.
Sample answer:
“I managed a project with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines. Clear communication, prioritization, and teamwork were key to its success.”
8. How do you prioritize tasks when faced with tight deadlines?
This question aims to understand the candidate’s time management and decision-making skills.
Sample answer:
“I start by listing all tasks, then categorize them based on urgency and importance. I tackle high-priority tasks first and ensure regular communication with stakeholders about progress.”
9. How do you handle feedback, especially when it’s critical?
This question evaluates the candidate’s receptiveness to feedback and ability to use it constructively.
Sample answer:
“I view feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve. I listen carefully, ask questions for clarity, and then determine the best way to implement the feedback.”
10. How do you ensure that you stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in your industry?
This question assesses the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and staying relevant in their field.
Sample answer:
“I regularly attend industry seminars, subscribe to relevant journals, and participate in online forums and discussions related to my field.”
What to ask candidates in a third-round interview
Before you reach a hiring decision, you screen and evaluate candidates through several interview rounds. Though the hiring process isn’t the same at each company and for every role, there are some basic guidelines:
- Phone screening interviews are useful as the first contact with job applicants to determine whether they possess the must-have skills for the position.
- Second-round interviews delve deeper into candidates’ skills and test how they’d manage work-related scenarios.
- Third-round interviews evaluate whether candidates would be a good fit not only for the specific role but the entire organization.
For the third-round interview, use a combination of competency-based and situational interview questions to gauge how candidates handle complex situations. Identify candidates who:
- Take creative approaches
- Think proactively
- Are motivated
- Are holistic thinkers
If this is the final round of your hiring process, include questions that reveal candidates’ career goals. It’s best to opt for potential hires who share the same values with your company and are more likely to stick with you in the long-run.
