Hiring the right employees is one of the most important decisions a small business owner can make. The interview process isn’t just about filling a role — it’s about finding someone who will thrive in your company culture, contribute to your goals, and stay for the long term. While the type of position and industry will always prompt more specific questions, here are five questions every small business owner should ask when interviewing potential employees.

Can you describe your work style?

For small businesses, it’s particularly important to learn a little about a job candidate’s work style. Will it blend well or clash with current employees?

“When you have only a couple of people in the office, these differences will only be magnified, so you want to find work styles that complement each other,” explains a ZenBusinesss article.

Younger candidates with less interview experience may need a little guidance on what you mean by “work style.” 

If you see that’s the case, consider more specific questions. For example, ask if they like being part of a team working toward shared goals or see themselves as more of an independent kind of worker. 

Have you ever made a mistake, then turned around and made improvements as a result?

An open-ended type question is tricky for some candidates — they may need a few minutes to do a recall before responding. Others may have prepared for this type of question.

Whether it’s rehearsed or an on-the-fly response, a candidate’s answer could reveal elements of their work personality, such as how they handle mistakes and their willingness, or lack thereof, to make changes to improve.

Why do you want to work at our company, and for this particular job?

Use this common interview question to get an idea of whether a candidate thinks their skills match up to the job, but also how they feel about working in a small business environment.

If a candidate’s work history indicates they have worked at larger companies, ask about the switch to this job. You might learn they actually would prefer working in a small business environment and gain insight into why.

What do you think motivates you most at work?

Every person has a source of professional motivation, explains a post by ZenBusinesss, an AI platform that provides guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners on business formations and compliance.

“For some people, it may come from the excitement and love for their field, while the paycheck might motivate others. No right answer really exists regarding motivation.”

However, learning about someone’s motivation can tell you a lot about their values and personal drive, the article adds.

“You’ll see how well their thoughts and values align with your own and any other team members. It can also give you a good idea of their personality and professional work ethic, which can help you determine if this person fits at your organization well.”

What kinds of activities or interests do you have outside of work?

There are, of course, guidelines on the types of personal questions you can and should not ask during a job interview, but learning just a little about how a candidate enjoys their free time could provide you with additional insight into the potential employee.

"In a conversational format you learn all the different idiosyncrasies from a candidate and what's important to them through the stories they tell and the narratives they choose," says an EBN article about the interview process.

Ideally, you’ll see a candidate list activities or interests on their resume, giving you the opportunity to ask about something they’ve deemed shareable with a potential employer.

Asking this type of question can also help put a candidate at ease, says the ZenBusiness post.

 “They feel more comfortable speaking about the topics and activities that interest them outside of work, helping them relax and answer future questions more naturally.”

In an Indeed article, HR professional Amy Heine advises job candidates to be prepared to briefly mention hobbies that show their intellectual development or highlight their community engagement. 

“Some of these hobbies may include your love of reading, music, volunteering or playing a team sport. You may also discuss hobbies that show personal discipline and achievement, like learning a new skill.”

Asking the right interview questions helps small business owners hire employees who fit the role, the culture, and long-term company goals. By focusing on work style, adaptability, motivation, and personal interests, you’ll uncover valuable insights that go beyond a resume. Use these five questions — along with our other articles Green Flags for Successful Hiring and 4 Ideas for Finding Qualified Staff — to build a team that drives your business forward.