Interview Questions - Icebreakers
Build Rapport With These Sample Icebreaker Interview Questions
A comprehensive list of interview questions meant to break the ice with job candidates.
Icebreakers are essential to the interview process as they allow the job applicant to feel comfortable from the start of the interview. Icebreaker interview questions also build rapport with the interviewers while still serving the larger purpose of determining whether or not they job candidate will be a great fit.
The goal with these sample interview questions is to ease into the interview and reduce the amount of stress the candidate feels during the process. Although you may need to review how the interviewee responds in times of stress, allow them to make a great impression first before really getting into it.
Sample Icebreaker Interview Questions
- In one minute or less, tell us about yourself. [Note: the reason why you ask for a set time frame is to see if the candidate can answer concisely while still giving them lots of leeway with how they answer the question. Plus, most interviewees are expecting this question.]
- Were there any problems finding our office today?
- Have you visited our location before?
- I like your ... [insert something appreciate about an item they have with them, i.e. a briefcase, sweater, etc.] Did you purchase it locally or make it yourself?
- Have you been following the Olympics? [Questions that refer to global events are perfectly okay, as long as they do not invite answers that could be construed as political or religious. Local sports teams may make non-fans a bit uncomfortable however, so leave these kinds of questions larger scale items that anyone in your country could discuss openly.]
- Would you like some coffee, a glass of water, or a place to hang your coat?
- Are you enjoying this weather?
- Have you ever seen [note geographical area] from this perspective before?
- This part of town is gorgeous this time of year, isn't it?
If the candidate travelled from outside the area, it's perfectly acceptable to ask them questions such as:
- Is it also snowing in Chicago? [or wherever they have travelled from]
- Was there a lot of traffic on your way here from the hotel or airport?
- How do you like Chicago? [or whichever town your organization is located in]
- Have you ever visited Chicago before? [or whichever town your organization is located in]
Remember, the icebreaker interview questions should only take approximately two to three minutes of time at the start of the interview to allow each member of the process settle down. Then you can move into explaining the job description, responsibilities and an outline of the rest of the interview process.
