This is a two part question. The first part of the question is fairly simple and straight forward. If you have ever been responsible for hiring someone you would simply provide a yes or no answer to the question. The second part of the question would only apply if you have actually ever been responsible for hiring someone. If that is the case then you would then go into details regarding the process that you used for choosing the right candidate for the job.
Keep in mind that you will likely only be asked this question if you are being considered for a position in which you will be responsible for hiring someone. Everyone must start somewhere so if you find yourself in a position where you are being considered for a position that would involve hiring others but you have not had any prior experience in this regard you will need to handle the question in a different manner so that you are able to demonstrate that even though you are not experienced in this area you are knowledgeable enough to effectively handle it.
You should never answer a question in an interview dishonestly. In regard to this interview question, you should not respond that you have had experience in hiring someone if that is not the case. You can easily set yourself up for disaster by answering in a dishonest way because this type of thing can be uncovered easily in a reference check. Instead, provide a truthful answer but continue your answer to indicate the type of skills and qualifications that you would look for in someone if you were to be responsible for hiring. Consider the types of skills that would be considered critical in a good applicant such as an aptitude for the job, skills, initiative, flexibility and commitment. There is no reason that a lack of experience in a particular area should hold you back from being considered for a position if you are able to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge necessary in order to effectively handle a job requirement, such as hiring.
This is a question that you should absolutely take the time to practice when preparing for an interview, especially if you think that you may interview for a position in which you will be responsible for hiring.
Tags: answers, Have you ever hired anyone, interview, job, question, Why did you choose them