An interview is a two-way conversation to detect if there is the right fit, culture and drive between you and the prospective company. Don’t hinder your chances of being hired by not asking intriguing and engaging questions.
Before entering the interview, you should have conducted detailed research into the company, which should in turn generate some questions for you to ask. Here are my top seven questions, which you can build on and customize.
- What are the big challenges of this job? If you don’t demonstrate that you accept challenges and adversity, your employability will be reduced. By asking the interviewer about challenges, it swiftly emphasizes your ambition and willingness to accept new roles and responsibilities, and to unravel and resolve issues.
- Is there anything you don’t like about working here? This will really open up the conversation into an interesting dialogue, because you’ve turned the tables on the interviewer.
- Can you explain the organizational structure? Each company is structured differently. Is it flat? Is it top heavy? Is it bottom heavy? Find out more about what makes it so.
- How will my leadership and performance be measured, and by whom? Some companies show resistance to taking full accountability for performance measurement. However, those that do are likely to have a good corporate culture.
- Where do you see me in one year and two years after I accept this appointment? In this question, you are assuming success, taking control of being employed, and hinting towards your viability as the top candidate.
- How much credence do you give to further education? Asking this question shows the HR professional your drive and ambition, and that you value continuing development.
- What skills and abilities are you seeking in my candidacy? This is another thought-provoking and engaging question that will stimulate conversation. The answers will allow you to tailor your answers for this setting.
Watch for appropriate opportunities to insert these questions into the flow of conversation. Keep the interview moving, and at its natural conclusion finish by clearly thanking the interviewer for their time, supported by a firm handshake, smile, and look in the eye.
Bear in mind that interviewing isn’t high on many people’s areas of interest. Your interviewer may be just as nervous as you. This is a meeting of the minds. By asking questions of your own, you can make your interviewer more comfortable, and yourself as well.
Leave a Reply