Success in your job interview is not only about nailing the responses to questions you’re asked. It’s also about asking good questions of your own. There’s no better way to show your excellence as a candidate than by asking the right questions.
Make a Statement
Your goal is to make a statement, in the form of a question. You want to further highlight your qualifications, demonstrate your confidence, reinforce your commitment to the job, and advance your candidacy.
In addition to making your interviewer sit up and take notice, you need to ensure that the position on the table is right for you.
What – and When – Should You Ask?
It’s important to head into your interview with some questions of your own. You may think of more as the conversation ensues, but there are some basic questions you can start with. Save these questions for the right time – or, wait till the end, when often, your interviewer will ask, “Do you have any questions for us?”
Ask about:
- The job. Be sure you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of the position, both in the short and long term. What does a typical day look like? What skills and experience is the employer seeking in an ideal candidate? What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would face? Does the company expect the responsibilities of the job to change in the near future?
- Performance expectations. Set yourself up for success by learning the goals of the job, and how your work will be evaluated. Ask about the employer’s performance expectations over the first 30, 60, 90 and 360 days on the job. Find out what the performance review process is like. Ask what metrics or goals your own performance will be measured against.
- Your interviewers. This helps you build rapport with key decision makers. How long have they been with the company? Why did they decide to work there? What do they like best about their jobs?
- The company. You’re not going to be working for just one manager, but for an entire organization. Ask your interviewers where they see the company headed in the next few years. Can they tell you about any upcoming plans or new product launches? What excites them the most about the future of their business?
- Your possible future team. The people you work with every day can make or break your work life. Ask about the team you’d be working with, if you accepted an offer from the company. Who will you work most closely with? To whom would you report? What are the strengths, weaknesses and challenges of any direct reports you would have?
- Company culture. What’s unique about working here? How would your interviewer describe the work environment?
And, don’t forget to ask about the next step in an employer’s hiring process. Be sure your interviewers – and you – have all the information you need before you shake hands and say goodbye.
A professional career coach from PrideStaff Modesto can help you prepare for your next interview, as well as walk you through a successful job search from start to finish. Contact us today so we can tell you more!
