Make the Right Hire! Interview for the Perfect Fit. by Larry M. Guzzardo
Short of having a candidate take a psychological test administered by a clinical psychologist, it’s very difficult to determine the state of anyone’s personal life. With that said, I do think there are a few questions that can be sprinkled throughout an interview to help provide some insight. 1. What do you like about dentistry? How would you change what you don’t like? This question does a couple of things. First, it gives you insight into how the individual can verbalize something they don’t like. An answer that is only 5% about the problem and 95% about the solution is an indication that the individual does not get caught up with events of the past. 2. Tell me about a problem you were tasked with solving in your current position. How did you choose to fix it?
This exposes their problem solving and creative thinking ability. Did they have a thoughtful approach to solving the problem or did they blame someone else and pass it on to another for a solution? Individuals who take responsibility have more control over what happens to them during their interaction with others and less likely to be taken advantage of or becoming a victim.
If someone you’re interviewing says they work out three times a week, perform volunteer work, and is learning how to do something (cook or play piano for example) “just for fun”, then I think it’s fair to say they value achievement, goal setting and are always looking to improve themselves. I think this will also translate into their job.
3. Knowing that dentistry can be stressful; how do you balance your professional and personal life?
“Stable people strive to do well in most areas of their life including physical fitness, relationships, and learning.”
I have found that people who report they participate in team activities such as soccer, rowing, basketball, and volleyball tend to be driven, focused on achieving goals and physically fit, which keeps their mind sharp. Generally, they will also be better communicators, cope well under pressure and perform well while working with others. We know balance is important for personal stability.
Along with asking good questions; listen really well too. Obviously the more the candidate talks, the more you’ll learn. People who are emotionally stable exhibit certain qualities and continue to explore them throughout their life. Listen to determine if these qualities are present in how the candidate lives their life.