Persons unsure about how to conduct a job interview often ask ineffective questions. "What was the last book you read?" comes off as a lame question, but it can be a helpful one. Depending on the job, learning the candidate's interests might be relevant. The interviewer, however, should possess the skills necessary to analyze the response. Potential employers might find that professional recruiters know how to maximize a question's value.

Learning More About the Potential Employee

Specific jobs require significant creativity, while others don't. A mechanical engineer can't become too creativbecuase he/she must stay true to the laws of physics. An advertising copywriter or a commercial artist, however, draws upon both definite skills and a creative muse. When hiring creative talents, would-be employers examine portfolios. Pre-packaged portfolios don't reveal all, though. Responses to unique questions, however, allow a hiring authority to see more. Asking about the most recent books read can disclose information about:

• Mindset: Someone who enjoys reading fantasy novels or police procedural mysteries likely has a mindset that connects with these choices. The former may reveal an embrace of creativity while the latter suggests an analytical mind. Such things tell a lot about a person.

• Continued Education: The applicant need not be reading an academic textbook related to the job. Reading a biography about a famous industry name or a "how-to" book covering new trends shows a desire to learn more. Workers informally continuing their education probably won't stagnate. They may possess the open mind necessary for continual improvement.

• Temperament: Human nature leads some to look at salacious reading material and wonder about the consumer's mood. Someone who wallows in violent, paranoid self-defense books might not appeal to a company wishing to avoid toxic personalities. Yes, reading materials can give insights into someone's potential social woes.

Interviews focus on far more than someone's reading material. For peripheral insights, questions about reading choices do present much to consider.

Leave the Questions and Analysis to the Pros

Recruitment agencies hire skilled and experienced professionals. They don't act as stenographers who merely log a response. The recruiters probe the responses by asking pertinent follow-up questions. They examine the answers from many perspectives and even conduct a review of body language and facial expressions. Non-professionals usually lack the abilities necessary to make the most out of atypical interview questions. So, maybe it is best to leave any analysis about reading choices to a professional recruiter.

Call a recruitment agency near you.