Hiring the right person starts with asking the right questions. Whether you're recruiting in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, or Calgary, these top 15 strategic interview questions to ask candidates will help you uncover skills, motivation, and cultural fit while staying compliant with Canadian hiring laws.
In today’s Canadian job market, it’s not enough to rely on gut instinct or generic interview scripts. Employers need questions that spark meaningful conversations, reveal how candidates think, and uncover whether they’ll thrive in your environment. These strategic interview questions are designed to help you make smarter, more confident hiring decisions.
Need more insights into Canada’s hiring landscape? Read Robert Half’s Labour Market Overview
Types of Strategic Interview Questions to Ask Candidates
Motivation & Career Goals
These questions help assess alignment with your company’s mission and long-term goals.
What inspired you to apply for this role?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What motivates you to do your best work?
Example Answer:
"I applied because your company’s commitment to sustainability aligns with my personal values. I want to contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference."
Interviewer Insight:
This shows alignment with company values and long-term interest. Look for authenticity and connection to your mission.
Skills & Experience
Tailor these strategic interview questions to your industry or sector, whether it’s finance, tech, marketing, or legal.
Can you describe a project where you used [key skill] successfully?
What’s your experience with [industry-specific tool or software]?
How do you stay current with trends in your field?
Example Answer:
"I led a cross-functional team to implement Salesforce across three departments, improving lead conversion by 30%."
Interviewer Insight:
This demonstrates leadership, technical skill, and measurable impact. Ask follow-ups to assess depth of involvement or communication soft skills.
Work Style & Collaboration
These questions reveal how candidates interact with colleagues and adapt to workplace dynamics.
How do you prefer to receive feedback?
Describe your ideal team environment.
How do you handle conflict at work?
Example Answer:
"I appreciate direct but respectful feedback. It helps me grow without feeling discouraged."
Interviewer Insight:
This indicates emotional intelligence and openness to development. Consider how this fits with your team’s communication style.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability
These types of strategic interview questions to ask candidates help gauge resilience and critical thinking.
Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work. How did you overcome it?
How do you prioritize tasks when everything feels urgent?
What’s your approach to learning something new quickly?
Example Answer:
"When our system crashed during a product launch, I coordinated with IT and customer service to restore operations within two hours."
Interviewer Insight:
Look for calm under pressure, initiative, and collaboration. This answer shows problem-solving and leadership in action.
Fit & Compliance
These questions help reveal how well a candidate will integrate into your team and whether their expectations align with your workplace culture.
What type of company culture helps you thrive?
What are your expectations for this role and workplace?
Do you have any questions about our team or company?
Note for Canadian employers: Avoid questions about age, marital status, religion, or other protected grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Example Answer:
"I thrive in inclusive environments where ideas are welcomed from all levels. I value transparency and mentorship."
Interviewer Insight:
This response highlights the candidate’s preference for open communication, collaborative decision-making, and a supportive leadership style. Be mindful of how your team’s dynamics align with the candidate’s preferences.
Why These Questions Matter in Canada
Hire now
Asking the right interview questions is more than a formality it’s a strategic tool for identifying top talent. For Canadian employers, these strategic interview questions to ask candidates can help navigate regional hiring norms, bilingual requirements in provinces like Quebec, and evolving workplace expectations such as remote flexibility. By focusing on the type of interview questions covered in this article (motivation, skills, collaboration, adaptability, and cultural fit), you can build a team that’s not only qualified but aligned with your company’s values and goals. Whether you're hiring in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, or other locations across Canada, strategic interviewing is key to making confident hiring decisions.
Need Help Hiring in Canada? Robert Half’s local recruitment experts can help you find top talent.
FAQs
How do I ask a follow-up question based on a candidate’s response?
If a candidate’s initial response leaves you wanting to know more or if you feel the candidate might not have painted a complete picture with their answer, there are some questions you can ask to dig a little deeper:
"Can you tell me more about...?" - This is a general prompt that encourages the candidate to elaborate on a specific point in their answer.
"What was the biggest challenge you faced in that situation?" - This helps you understand the complexities they dealt with.
"What specific actions did you take to...?" - This clarifies the candidate's role and approach in the scenario they described.
"Why did you choose that approach?" - This helps you understand their thought process for tackling a problem.
"What were some alternative solutions you considered?" - This reveals their problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
"What did you learn from this experience?" - This showcases their ability to reflect and learn from past situations.
What are some red flags to look out for in a candidate’s response?
Some of the red flags to look out for include:
vague or generic answers
unfamiliarity with your industry
dwelling on past negative experiences
shifting blame on others
heavy focus on salary and benefits
contradictions between their resume and their responses
What are some examples of illegal interview question to ask a candidate in Canada?
In Canada, it's illegal to ask job interview questions that discriminate against a candidate based on protected characteristics outlined in the Canadian Human Rights Act. Hiring managers should not ask the following:
Interview questions relate to race, origin or citizenship
Interview questions about the candidate’s age
Interview questions related to gender or sexual orientation
Interview questions related to disability
What are some common interview mistakes made by hiring managers?
Just like candidates, hiring managers should also be prepared for the interview. This includes:
having a clear understanding of the job description
a list of targeted questions
an interview schedule that allows enough time for each candidate.
Everyone has biases, but it's crucial to be aware of them and avoid letting them influence your decision-making. Focus on evaluating the candidate's qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. And remember that the interview is a two-way street. Don't spend the entire time talking about the company or the role. Give the candidate ample time to ask questions and showcase their skills and experience.
