How to Answer: What would you do if you had two strong candidates with similar backgrounds?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Talent Acquisition Specialist job interview.
22. What would you do if you had two strong candidates with similar backgrounds?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to see how you differentiate or choose between two candidates who have similar resumes. This is a challenge you will come up against often as a Talent Acquisition Specialist.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus your answer on what you can learn about the candidate during the interview beyond what is listed on their resume. Let the interviewer know how you would make a choice between them. This is also a great opportunity to show how you go above and beyond filling the current open position.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"It can seem like a tough situation when you have two great candidates and only one opening, but it can actually be an opportunity. To decide who to offer the position to, I rely heavily on what I learn about each candidate during the interview. The one who seems to have the most confidence and passion for the job is the one I would choose. Yet I don't forget about or simply dismiss the other candidate, especially if they were also a really good option. I might try to see if we have any other openings they could be a good fit for. Or at the very least, I keep their information saved in my talent pipeline and keep them in mind whenever new opportunities open up. Someone I interview today might be the absolute perfect fit for a job that opens up six months down the road."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022