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What Employers Should Ask When Interviewing Temp Candidates

May 29, 2025

Hiring temporary workers is an opportunity to bring in skilled individuals who can quickly contribute to your workforce. A focused and thoughtful interview process helps to ensure you are hiring someone who is not only qualified but also reliable and a strong match for the position you are seeking to fill.

Here are a few smart questions to guide your next interview:

1. “Can you tell me about your work experience?”
Start with the basics. This question helps you understand the candidate’s background, skills, and the types of roles they have held in the past.

2. “What is your goal?”
Asking candidates about their goals allows you to get to know them on a more personal level. Are they seeking short-term income, gaining experience in a new field, wanting a permanent role, or exploring different opportunities? Their goals can help you determine which roles and work environments will align with their expectations.

3. “What kind of work environment helps you thrive?”
Cultural fit matters, even in temporary roles. This question helps you assess whether the candidate will adapt well to your team and working conditions.

4. “Are you comfortable with the expectations and timeline of this assignment?”
Clear communication is essential. Make sure the candidate fully understands the schedule, responsibilities, and duration of the job to avoid confusion later on.

By asking thoughtful questions, you can better match candidates with roles where they will succeed. This makes your hiring process more effective and leads to better results.