Hiring Questions

​These questions are meant to see how prepared the applicant is. It's important to have a team member that is prepared every day when they report to work in the Insurance world. We are looked at as insurance experts that advise our clients the correct way to protect their assets.

​These questions are going to make the applicant open up with dialogue and conversation. 

• Tell me about yourself. This is probably the most asked question in a interview. It breaks the ice and gets them to talk about something they should be fairly comfortable with.
• Why are you looking for another job (or why did you leave your previous job)? This will get the applicant to express to you on why they are looking, you will hear many answers, be careful of the crap answers, you can tell, if they are not honest here, it's time to end the interview.
• What do you know about this organization? Lets see if they did their homework about your agency.
• Why do you want this job? See if they reference your web page etc. You looking for an answer such as, “everyone on your Facebook page looks happy and glad they work here”
• Who are our main competitors? This is a good opportunity for them to highlight what they think are the company's key strengths. 
• What would your previous co-workers say about you? See if they stay positive on this one.
• How do you handle stressful situations and working under pressure? Ask them a specific example on how they worked through the situation.
• What are you like working in a team? You already know the answer, but ask them or listen for “leadership” in the team environment.
• What is your greatest strength? Look for work related strengths. Again, ask for an example
• What is your biggest weakness?  If they say none, they are lying. They should emphasize on how they overcome their weaknesses.
• What has been your biggest professional disappointment/achievement so far? See if they stay positive about those times. If it's all negative, they bring that attitude to your office.
• What kind of decisions do you find most difficult to take? There is no right or wrong answer here, it's going to help you predict whether the past behavior will transfer to your office. All that you are looking for is to understand what they find difficult. If they are fearful of the phone and whether or not they should answer it especially if they know it's a irate customer, you may want to stay away 
• Tell me about a suggestion that you have made that has been successfully implemented. Look for something that they have actually made materialize. This will show you their way of thinking.
• Have you ever had to bend the rules in order to achieve a goal? Listen carefully to this one! Under no circumstances hire someone that says, Ya at times but I do it legally. That is a E&O waiting to hit you in the rear.
• Why should we hire you? Because I need a job, or I'm really good, That doesn't cut it. They should explain to you why they will make a great employee in detail.
• Regarding salary, what are your expectations? See if they they did their homework, they should know this business is weighted towards sales and commissions. If they say, money isn't too important to me right now, I'm looking for a career and perhaps one day start my own agency, you may have a career person in front of you. A person that knows by applying their hard work and efforts will lead to big commission and bonuses, typically they are your hard workers.
• Do you have any questions for me? If they take out a note pad with questions, that's good! That is an indication that they are organized and really want to make this job a career.

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Remember, the interview begins when they walk into your office. Do they shake hands and look into your eyes. Do they sit straight in the chair. Do they wander when they are waiting for another question from you. 
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You looking for an image of confidence, enthusiasm, competence, reliability, and professionalism.