Interviewing for and finding the right talent is without a doubt the most important task at hand when you’re trying to scale up your startup. While much of job seeking is opportunistic and driven by our perceived chemistry with the candidate, asking the right questions can make all the difference in helping you identify who the right person is for your team.
As HR trends go, even startups have steered away from the popular brain teaser type questions of previous years (e.g. how many soccer balls are in the state of California? How many cars cross the Brooklyn bridge everyday?), but this doesn’t mean you can’t ask creative questions to uncover how a candidate thinks, what their values are, and how they’ll fare in your company’s culture. Read on as we list some of our favourites, and what type of answers to look for.
What this question reveals: Whether the candidate understand what this position entails, and whether she / he is truly interested in taking on and gaining from the required skill-set.
What answer to look for: Someone who can specifically list both short and long term goals, or skills they hope to gain.
What this question reveals: This person’s perspective on decision-making, especially in relation to something as important as their career path.
What answer to look for: Someone who is able to learn from, but not dwell on, the past.
What this question reveals: This individual’s personality, especially as it relates to workplace relationships.
What answer to look for: Simply someone who is honest, and able to work in a close-knit team environment.
What this question reveals: How much homework the candidate has done to understand your company, which is especially significant when this concerns a novel idea or product.
What answer to look for: Someone who has a solid understanding of the selling points, and how to effectively communicate these ideas.
What this question reveals: The candidate’s style of working.
What answer to look for: As most managers would agree, if one had to choose, the latter is more preferable for the long-term sustainability of the company, which is especially true in the time-sensitive world of startups.
What this question reveals: This is a basic, must-ask question not because of what this person says, but how this person says it.
What answer to look for: An ambitious person who sees the position they’re applying for as an essential stepping stone to the goals they ultimately hope to accomplish.
What this question reveals: The candidate’s work ethic, the confidence they have in their work, and ability in recognising the help of others.
What answer to look for: Someone who takes ownership of their work, and who is able to objectively measure the outcome of a project, as independence is extremely important for startups.
What this question reveals: How the candidate deals with doing work they’re not completely happy doing.
What answer to look for: Someone who understands that it’s a fact of life to have to do things you don’t want to do, and the need to treat every experience as one to learn from, which is something that is inevitable in a startup environment.
What this question reveals: This person’s self-awareness with regards to her / his own abilities.
What answer to look for: An answer that’s not too generic (i.e. what is your biggest flaw?) to show that this person is creative and eager to show off a unique skill.
Let’s explore why wellness is crucial in shared workspaces and how to cultivate it effectively - with a little help from our members!
Hong Kong has become a powerhouse for startups with a mission, fostering innovation that tackles urgent social and environmental issues. This vibrant city offers a unique ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs in building impactful businesses while providing access to vital government resources and funding.
With over a decade in Hong Kong's bustling coworking scene, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable rise of shared office spaces in the city.
These dynamic spaces have revolutionised the way we work, offering a perfect blend of flexibility, community, and professional amenities.
According to a recent study by Coworking Resources, the number of coworking spaces worldwide is projected to reach a staggering 41,975 this year, marking a significant 42% increase from 2019 to 2024.
The appeal of coworking spaces is undeniable. They provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional offices, foster networking opportunities, and offer a vibrant atmosphere that can spark creativity and innovation.
However, with the myriad of distractions and the constant buzz of activity, maintaining productivity in these shared environments can be challenging.
So whether you're a freelancer, a remote worker, or part of a growing startup, these tips and tricks will help you harness the full potential of your coworking experience while keeping your productivity at its peak.