Whether you are a newbie looking to land your first job or a seasoned professional looking for greener pastures, leaving a positive impression during the interview is key to getting an offer. With countless applicants competing for the same job, it can be difficult to stand out. Let’s put this into perspective: every corporate job attracts around 250 resumes, but only around six people are called in for an interview.
In addition, many people make the same mistake: not asking any questions. You’re so worried about answering questions that you forgot to ask a few of your own. So, here are seven fool-proof questions to help you become more unforgettable. But first, let’s take a detour and explore some of the things you stand to achieve just by asking your interviewers the right questions.
Three Things You’ll Achieve by Asking Your Interviewers the Right Questions
- Depending on how the interviewer answers the questions, you will be able to gauge whether the company is really a good fit for you or not.
- In asking questions you in a way demonstrate your level of interest in the company.
- Asking questions can eliminate any reservations that the interviewer may have about you prior to the interview.
Seven important questions to ask during your interview
1.What is the one problem that you would like me to help solve?
One of the perks of asking this question is that it helps you to not only get a glimpse of the challenges that you are bound to face in the position you are applying for but also shows that you are a problem solver who is immediately thinking of how you can help out. And this more than anything else helps encourage the interviewer to in the very least envision how things would be like if you joined the team.
2.What does one need to do to be a success in this position?
Asking this question not only gets you ahead, but also exhibits your interest in successful employment with this company. And, this is an essential trait that just about any interviewer will be on the lookout for during recruitment.
Employers understand the cost of a bad hire, but perhaps in more of a broad way. Many small-to-midsized businesses do not have the resources to make bad decisions when hiring. So, they try to tailor their interview process to ensure only the right candidates get through.
Nonetheless, when you ask the right questions, you convey that you are one of the job seekers who really wants the position and is willing to learn more about the daily details and how to get it.
3.Do you offer continuing education and professional training?
If you’re thinking about a positioning question, then this is definitely your best bet. It shows that you are vested in expanding your knowledge and ultimately growing as the company grows. After all, no one really wants to stagnate at one point for much longer than is necessary.
4.What’s next after the interviews?
As much as asking this question may seem a bit forward especially because no one is ever really sure whether they’ll pass the interview or not, it shows that you are committed to the process and are interested in moving along in the process. And if you’re lucky, it may also invite the interviewer to tell you just how many more contenders there are for the said position.
5.What types of skills and background would the ideal candidate need for this position?
Have you ever been in an interview and felt like you might have missed out on some important detail when profiling yourself? Well, this question helps you redeem yourself in the event that—in your nervousness–you missed something. It helps the interviewer lay everything on the table in terms of what the employer is looking for. As a result, it gives you an edge just in case there’s something you didn’t cover.
6.What objectives would need to be accomplished within the next 30 or 90 days in this job?
Asking this question will give you an opportunity to find out exactly what you will be expected to contribute to the organization from the moment you start working. It is basically meant to prepare you psychologically for the task ahead as well as help the interviewer determine just how ready and realistic you really are.
7.Do you have any reservations about my qualifications?
I know what you’re thinking right now. Gutsy! Right? Well, this question would give just about anyone the chills. And most people find it hard to ask it because they are not really sure if they’ll be able to take the answer. However, on the flip side, it also helps exhibit confidence in your skills and abilities.
In Conclusion
Since many interviewees forget to ask key questions, you will already stand out by asking one or all of the inquiries above. With these foolproof questions, you might even get a positive response immediately after your interview. Make sure to keep your phone on hand!
© The Big Game Hunter, Inc. Asheville, NC 2018
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. His work involves career coaching, all as well as executive job search coaching and business life coaching. He is the host of “Job Search Radio,” “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” and his newest show, “No BS Coaching Advice.”
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mistake of action than one of inaction. If I had the opportunity again, I would take chances.”
with others. For those of you in IT, this was a time when “hot technology” was OS/COBOL and firms were starting to use CICS. Yes, it was a long time ago.
looking at my signature card and deciding that it matched and then cashed my check. We now don’t like interacting with tellers, preferring the convenience of machines.
work involves life coaching, as well as executive job search coaching and business life coaching. He is the host of “Job Search Radio,” “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” and his newest show, “No BS Coaching Advice.”