Adding a new member to your dental team can seem daunting. How do you know that you are hiring the right person? Even when someone comes highly recommended, you never know for sure that someone will be the right fit until she works with you for a while. Since there are uncertainties whenever you need to hire, it’s important to ask good interview questions to increase the likelihood of hiring the right person.
The most effective interview questions require more than a yes or no answer, and really good questions do not lead someone to the answer. For example, if you want to find a dental assistant who has strong organizational skills, you make it too easy on the applicant by asking, “Are you an organized person?” A more effective question is open ended instead of leading. “Tell me what you have found effective for staying on top of tasks when the schedule gets really busy.”
Examples of other good open ended questions include:
- What would a former co-worker say are your best skills? What would a former co-worker say causes them the most frustration about you?
- What would you say to someone who was apprehensive about having dental treatment?
- What is something innovative that you have helped implement for making the patient experience or a front/back office system even better?
Also, consider questions you wish you had asked during past interviews. Assuming your questions do not violate employment law, consider how you can frame those questions for new applicants.
Finding the right fit for your dental team can take time. Increase the odds of making the right choice by asking good questions when interviewing.