The best interview questions ask for real examples from the past. What someone did tells you more than what they say they would do. Everyone gives a good answer to "how would you handle a difficult customer?"
Ask for examples
Start most questions with "Tell me about a time when...". Then follow up: what did you do, why, and what happened?
About the work
- Tell me about a piece of work you are proud of. What was your part?
- Walk me through how you would usually [a key task of the job].
- Tell me about a time you had too much to do. What did you prioritise?
- Tell me about a mistake you made at work. What did you do next?
About customers
- Tell me about a time you dealt with an upset customer.
- Tell me about a time you went beyond what a customer expected.
- How do you explain something complicated to someone new to it?
About working in a small business
- Tell me about a time you did a task far outside your job description.
- How do you work when nobody is checking in on you?
- What do you do when you do not know how to do something?
In a small business, roles shift and grow. People who enjoy that tend to do well.
About working with others
- Tell me about a disagreement with a colleague. How was it resolved?
- What kind of feedback helps you most?
- Tell me about someone who was hard to work with, and what you did.
About motivation
- Why this role, and why a small business?
- What would you want to have learned after a year here?
- What does a good working week look like for you?
To close
- What questions do you have for me?
- Is there anything you wish I had asked?
What to listen for
- Specific stories, not general claims.
- Their own part, not only 'we'.
- What they learned when things went wrong.
- Questions that show they thought about the job.
Questions to avoid
Avoid questions about age, family plans, pregnancy, religion, health, nationality, marital status and similar personal matters. In many places they are illegal, and they say nothing about the job. Check the rules where you hire.
Add a practical test
A short, paid task close to the real work often tells you more than any question. A support role might answer three real customer emails. A design role might do a small brief.
Be fair and consistent
Ask every candidate the same main questions, and take notes right after each interview. It makes comparing easier and fairer. Before you start, write a clear job description, so you know what you are listening for. For the full process, see how to hire your first employee.