Question Overview: Listen to the candidate's answer to this question. You want to hear that they are interested in the job because they are passionate about the work and want to help others. You do not want to hire someone who is only interested in the job for the money or the perks.
Sample Answer: I want to be a lifeguard because I love being around water and I am always ready to help people.
Question Overview: You want to make sure that your potential candidate is comfortable with the idea of working overtime. This is a common occurrence in the lifeguard profession, especially during the summer months. You want to know that your candidate will be able to handle it professionally and with a positive attitude.
Sample Answer: I would make sure that I had everything I needed for my shift before I left for the day.
Question Overview: This question is designed to give you insight into how the candidate thinks. You want to know that they are able to think on their feet and are able to make quick decisions in the event of an emergency. You want to see that they are able to prioritize the situation and act accordingly.
Sample Answer: I would first assess the situation and make sure that everyone was safe. I would then call for backup if necessary and make sure that the guest was being cared for.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that can be difficult to answer. You want to avoid hiring someone who is too self-critical, but you also want to make sure that they are honest about their shortcomings. If they are too hard on themselves, they may not be able to improve in the future. If they are too positive, they may not be able to see their own errors.
Sample Answer: I am a perfectionist, which can sometimes be a weakness. I am always striving to improve my skills and make sure that I am doing everything correctly.
Question Overview: The candidate should be able to explain Google's mission in a few sentences. They should be able to tell you what the company does, how they do it, and why they do it.
Sample Answer: Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. They do this by providing a number of services that allow people to search for information online.
Question Overview: Work experience is a vital part of the hiring process. You want to know that your potential candidate has experience working with others and can handle a variety of different situations. Make sure that they have experience in a pool or beach setting as well as some customer service experience.
Sample Answer: I have worked as a lifeguard for the past three summers, and I have also worked as a cashier at a local store.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge the candidate's personality and sense of humor. You want to be sure that they are able to work well with children and that they are able to keep a light mood even in stressful situations. You also want to be sure that they are able to relate to the kids in a way that is appropriate for their age.
Sample Answer: I really like the movie "The Sandlot" because it has a lot of funny moments and it's a great story.
Question Overview: Customer service is an essential part of a lifeguard's job. You want to know that your potential candidate is comfortable with dealing with the public and has experience in this regard. You want to know that they are able to handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism.
Sample Answer: I have worked as a lifeguard for several years now, and I have always enjoyed interacting with the guests. I feel like I have a good sense of how to handle any situation that may arise.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out what the candidate's personal health goals are. You want to make sure that they are committed to a healthy lifestyle and that they are actively working towards it. This can be a great way to find out if they are willing to take the initiative to help others stay healthy as well.
Sample Answer: I try to eat healthy and exercise regularly. I also try to encourage my friends and family members to do the same.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how much of a candidate's time they spend familiarizing themselves with the company. You want to make sure that they are aware of the company's mission and goals. This will also give you an idea of how well they can articulate the company's vision.
Sample Answer: Lifetime's mission is to inspire and empower people to change their lives through fitness.
Question Overview: Listen for the candidate's enthusiasm and passion for the job. You want to hire someone who is excited about the position and can clearly articulate why they are the best person for the job. You also want to make sure that they understand the responsibilities of this position and are willing to commit to them.
Sample Answer: I am a great fit for this position because I have a passion for water safety and I am committed to protecting people from harm.
Question Overview: You want to make sure that your potential candidate is able to work a full-time schedule. You want to avoid hiring someone who will be unable to work the hours that you need them to.
Sample Answer: I am available for full-time work and can work any shifts that you need me to.
Question Overview: This is a question that will give you a good idea of how the candidate handles stressful situations. You want to know that they are able to remain calm and collected in the face of danger. You also want to know that they are aware of what to do in this situation and are prepared to act.
Sample Answer: I would immediately jump into action and try to get the person out of the water as quickly as possible.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask because it can give you insight into how the candidate responds to failure. You want to know that they are able to take constructive criticism and learn from their mistakes. You also want to know that they are able to bounce back from a failure and continue to do their job well.
Sample Answer: I failed my first certification exam. I was really upset, but I realized that I needed to study harder and come back for another try.
Question Overview: This is a question that will give you insight into the candidate's ability to handle difficult situations. You want to know that they are able to remain calm and collected in the face of a potentially chaotic situation. This is especially important if they are supervising a pool, where children may be more likely to become upset.
Sample Answer: I would calmly ask them to tell me what happened and where their parents are. I would then help them find their parents and make sure that they are safe.
Question Overview: Conflict resolution is a key aspect of a lifeguard's responsibilities. You want to know that the candidate you are considering hiring has experience with this type of situation and is able to handle it effectively. Listen for how they describe the conflict and how they resolved it. You want to hear that they were able to defuse the situation without making it worse.
Sample Answer: I was working at the pool when a group of kids started arguing over who got to use the slide first. I asked them all to line up and I let them go down one at a time.
Question Overview: A lifeguard's job is to protect the safety of their guests, but they also need to be able to interact with them in a positive way. You want to make sure that your potential candidate understands the importance of being friendly and helpful. They should be able to explain how they would approach a guest who is upset or in need of assistance.
Sample Answer: Customer service is about making sure that the guests are having a good time and that they feel safe. I like to make sure that they are enjoying themselves and that they are aware of any safety issues.
Question Overview: Listen for how the candidate approaches problems. You want to hire someone who is able to think on their feet and is not afraid to take charge in a difficult situation. You want to hear about a time when they were able to resolve a problem without causing further issues.
Sample Answer: I was working at the pool when a child fell into the water and started to drown. I was able to pull him out and perform CPR until the paramedics arrived.