Creating a positive impression during your interview is key to getting a job offer. It’s not enough just to be qualified. To truly stand out from the competition, you need to show your excellence and sincere interest. Asking the right questions is the best way to emphasize you understand a company’s challenges and demonstrate how you can help meet them.
Plus, an interview is a two-way street. Asking questions provides an opportunity for you to confirm this is a company where you want to work.
What to Ask
In preparation for your interview, you should have thoroughly researched the company and the position. Use this information to envision what topics will come up and what interviewers will likely ask you; then formulate some questions of your own. These may include:
- What is the history of this position? If you’re interviewing for a role left vacant by someone’s departure, get a sense for what happened. If it’s an opening created to support company growth, ask a follow-up question about who owned the responsibilities up to this point and how the duties will be transitioned.
- What would you want me to accomplish during my first six months on the job? This shows your commitment to adding value. It can also help you tailor the conversation to highlight your fit for the position.
- How will you measure my success? The response to this question will tell you what excellence looks like in the role.
- Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with? This will describe the people you’d be interacting with on a daily basis, so you can paint a realistic picture of your work life.
- What are the expectations about managing workflow? You want to know about such things as working weekends, responding to emails after hours, and how to know when you’re done for the day.
- What opportunities would I have to learn and grow? This is a great positioning question. It shows you’re interested in expanding your knowledge and ultimately growing with the organization. Great companies want to hire people who are dedicated to personal and professional growth.
- What’s the most challenging part of your job? What’s your favorite part of your job? Insight into the challenges faced by your hiring manager can offer a glance into the support and assistance you can offer. This question also allows you to connect with your interviewer on a more personal level, as they share their own feelings.
- Is there anything I’ve said that makes you doubt I would be a great fit for this position? This is a gutsy question that shows your confidence, which is a highly desired trait. By asking it, you also stand to get a better sense of the next steps in the hiring process and a chance to address any reservations a hiring manager may have about your candidacy, while you still have their attention.
As you prepare for your next interview, consider working with a recruiter from PrideStaff Modesto. In fact, we can coach you throughout your entire job search experience. Take advantage of our expertise, proven track record, and vast client network as you find the position that’s just right for you. Contact us today to learn more.
