What is a peer interview?
Peer interviews expand the interview process beyond the scope of a hiring manager speaking to applicants. In these situations, the candidate’s potential peers are asked to conduct an interview in which they have a conversation with the candidate. This can be a valuable exercise that allows the group of peers to meet and talk to someone who might be joining the team, see how they might mesh with the existing personalities in the department and assess their knowledge. It’s also a great opportunity for the candidate to meet the team and see what the company culture is like.
What is the purpose of a peer interview?
One of the main purposes of a peer interview is to gauge whether the candidate is can be a match for the organization and its culture. While the hiring manager may be able to assess the applicant’s skills and competence in an individual interview setting, the peer interview is an opportunity to see how this person interacts with others, whether they are a good communicator and how their personality gels with everyone else’s. For small companies or team-based projects, peer interviews are a valuable tool to ensure a harmonious work environment when bringing in new hires.
10 peer interview questions to ask
If you’re asked to participate in a peer interview as a manager or supervisor, you could be meeting a future colleague for the first time. Approach the interview in a welcoming, friendly manner that makes the candidate feel at ease. Rather than structuring the peer interview like a formal interview, strive for a natural, conversational flow that helps you get acquainted and learn more about the person you may be working alongside. Here are some questions to work into the conversation to give you a better sense of what this individual is like as a team member.
1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
To start the conversation off organically, it’s a great idea to open with this question. Invite the candidate to introduce themselves to you (or the group if there are numerous peers participating) and share some background on their prior work experience, education and career. Listen carefully to their response because the information you gain from this answer will inform what you ask as the interview progresses.
2. What kind of company culture do you like to work in?
When deciding whether or not to work for a company, 46% of job seekers cite company culture as a deciding factor. Inquiring about what type of environment a candidate values tells you a lot about their personality and lifestyle. Their response to this question also helps you gauge whether they’re a good fit for your company based on whether or not they describe a culture similar to your workplace.
3. How do you motivate your teammates?
When a peer interview takes place, it’s usually because the candidate will be working closely with you and other peers involved in the conversation. As a result, it’s important to find out what kind of team member this person is likely to be. Asking them how they motivate their colleagues requires them to divulge important information such as what they believe effective encouragement looks like, whether they value supporting others and how good they are at communicating positively.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
Not all peer interview questions have to center around the job or workplace. In fact, it’s better to include a question or two that gives you a sense of who this person is outside of work. Asking them about how they spend their free time provides insight into their hobbies and relationships outside of work. Knowing more about the candidate on a personal level allows you to see if you will potentially bond over shared interests. Bonding with peers is excellent for workplace morale; it can boost productivity and reduce instances of burnout.
5. If you experience a conflict with a coworker, how do you handle the situation?
How a person responds in a moment of conflict is critical to their interpersonal skills. A team member who doesn’t know how to handle conflict effectively can hinder productivity and communication. Asking this question requires the candidate to describe a situation they view as conflict and how they addressed it. If their response doesn’t align with your company’s values or policies, this may be a deciding factor in the hiring process.
6. What was your favorite aspect of your previous position?
Asking the candidate about their favorite element of their former or current role lets you know what they value in their work. You learn how they seek fulfillment and what parts of the job they enjoy from their answer here. Based on their response, you can also share whether or not they can expect similar elements in the position they’re interviewing for.
7. How do you handle change in the workplace?
This question looks at the flexibility and adaptability of the candidate, which is an important quality in a team environment. Asking how the individual responds to change creates an opportunity for them to expand on moments where they have had to react quickly, pivot, adjust to deadlines and solve problems under pressure. Fast-paced work environments such as the service, healthcare or journalism industries require personnel who can handle change with ease.
8. Do you have any questions for me?
Conclude the peer interview by inviting the individual to ask any questions they may have. This is an opportunity for the candidate to find out more about the company, the parameters of the job, the workplace culture and what they can expect in terms of communication after the interview.
FAQs
Does a peer interview mean the candidate is hired?
When a candidate gets to the peer interview stage of the hiring process, it usually indicates they are under serious consideration for the role. The peer interview typically comes after an interview with an HR representative or hiring manager that has gone well. Candidates who are top contenders for a position are then invited to participate in the peer interview process as a chance to interact with the team and ask questions of their prospective peers. If you’re asked to participate in a peer interview for a candidate, you may be meeting the newest member of your team for the first time.
How do you prepare for a peer interview?
If you are conducting a peer interview for your company, it’s essential to do your research on the candidate ahead of time. Find out who this person is, what their educational background and prior work experience look like and the specifics of the role they’re interviewing for. Doing your due diligence prior to the peer interview allows you to ask pertinent questions and have a natural conversation.
