Step 1
Start with first-week needs
Ask about managers, onboarding buddies, access checks, key meetings, and the 30-60-90 day plan before testing obscure company history.
Step 2
Use workflow questions
Turn procedures into scenarios: where should this request go, which system records this work, and what should happen before an escalation?
Step 3
Include customer context
New employees should understand who the customer is, what problem they have, and how the organization creates value.
Step 4
Keep culture concrete
Ask about observable habits such as documenting decisions, raising concerns early, recognizing contributions, and requesting help.
Step 5
Review every miss
Use the explanation after a missed answer to point to the policy, owner, or resource the new hire can use later.