We’ve been in the payroll and HR business for a long time, and if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that a great interview can make all the difference in finding the right person. The strongest candidates don’t shine because they’ve memorized all the “right” answers, they stand out because of the real conversations that happen during the interview.
If you’re looking for someone who can do the job, grow with your company, and fit into your culture, these five creative interview questions can help you go beyond the résumé:
1. “What do you think sets our company apart from others in our industry?”
This question prompts critical thinking and forces someone to compare your company to competitors, and it will illuminate whether they really researched your differentiators, not just your product or service.
2. “Tell me about a professional experience you never want to go through again.”
This gives insight into how someone handles tough situations and what they learned from them. Strong answers will show self-awareness, resilience, and even a bit of humility. It also opens the door to understanding how the candidate reflects on the past and grows from it.
3. “Would you rather turn in something perfect but late, or good and on time?”
There’s no single right answer, but the reasoning behind it matters. This question reveals how a candidate handles pressure, sets priorities, and balances quality with deadlines.
4. “Can you explain something you know well — in five minutes or less?”
This doesn’t need to be work-related. Whether it’s cooking the perfect omelet or explaining the rules of Ultimate Frisbee, what matters is how clearly and enthusiastically the candidate can share something they care about. This shows communication skills, passion, and the ability to connect.
5. “What kind of team or work environment brings out your best?”
This simple question often brings out the most honest answers. It helps both sides understand if the role is a good fit, not just by skillset, but by personality, motivation, and preferred leadership style.
Commonwealth Payroll & HR: Partnership Beyond the Interview
At Commonwealth Payroll & HR, we’ve been through hundreds of hiring journeys, for our own team and alongside the clients we serve. Our HR platform streamlines every stage of the employee lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding to performance and retention. Combined with our hands-on expertise, we help businesses hire with confidence, stay compliant, and build strong, connected teams. We can’t conduct the interviews for you but we’ll make everything else easier. Let’s talk.
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