How to Determine if a Candidate is Reliable

When it comes down to it, assessing whether a job seeker is reliable is hard to accomplish. Most candidates aren’t going to openly admit they have issues with reliability, like missing deadlines or spotty attendance, and hiring managers generally only have a few options for vetting interviewees in the moment.

To determine if a candidate is reliable, it’s crucial you ask the right questions. To help get you started, here are a few to use.

Why Do You Want This Job?

While this question doesn’t inherently relate to reliability, it does provide insights that can help you assess the candidate in that regard. For example, a job seeker who doesn’t seem enthusiastic about the opportunity may be less reliable than one who is excited about what it has to offer.

Passionate workers tend to be more reliable, so using this question to ascertain how a candidate feels about possibly getting the job can go a long way.

Where Do You Hope to Be in Five Years?

A job seeker who speaks about moving up in your company or growing in the position is more likely to be reliable than one who sees the job as a springboard to another destination, a means to an end or just a paycheck.

It does require you to read between the lines a bit, as some candidates won’t overtly state they intend to move on quickly, but it can provide some indication on whether you can count on the person beyond the short term.

Describe Your Ideal Work Environment

Over time, if an employee isn’t well-suited to the environment, their engagement and morale will decline, leading them to become less reliable.

Ultimately, this question allows you to determine whether your company provides the kind of environment the candidate hopes to find. If so, it’s likely they are a good cultural fit. But, if not, the differences in their preferences and the reality surrounding the position could drive even an otherwise stellar job seeker to become unreliable.

Tell Me About Your Most Difficult Workplace Decision and How You Handled It

Some people are reliable when things are steady, but change when they are under stress. This question allows you to assess how a person acts when times get tough or when they are faced with adversity, which can provide you with valuable insights regarding their overall reliability.

By asking the questions above, you can craft a comprehensive picture regarding whether a candidate is reliable, allowing you to make a wiser hiring decision when the time comes.

If you are looking for a new employee to join your team, the professionals at The Squires Group can connect you with some of today’s top talent. Contact us to learn more about our services today.


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