How to Ask Questions During an Job Interview
An interview isn't just for the benefit of the company looking to fill a position. The interview is also your chance to determine if you want to work for that company. Go into the interview with a list of questions you have about the company and the position and show the interviewer that you're an engaged and strategic thinker.
Instructions
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Prepare a list of three to five questions you wish to ask. Write them down and bring the questions with you to the interview. Devise your questions based on studying the job advertisement description and research on the company. Read the company's website, search news articles on the company and read up on what's going on in the company's industry. Determine who it's competitors are.
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You should have questions about the organization. These shouldn't be questions that are obvious or ones that you can easily answer yourself by looking at the website. Show the interviewer that you've spent time thinking about the organization and the issues that might be affecting it. You may consider questions such as "What are some challenges the company sees it facing in the future?" or "What is one thing you wish you could do better than your competitor?" These questions show that you're interested in the company's future and that you're ready to work on behalf of its goals.
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Formulate a question that is specific to the position you are vying for. Position-related questions show your interest and desire to succeed on the job. Asking about the question also helps you determine if this a job you wish to pursue. Position related questions might include "What is a typical day like for the person in this position," "How is success measured for this position," and "Which departments and other stakeholders are involved with this position on a daily basis?"
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Ask a question that is directed specifically at the interviewer and her view of the company and the position. This type of question may help you determine if employees are happy working for the company. If the interviewer seems to be having trouble gushing about the job or her coworkers, this may tip you off that something's not right. Ask the interviewer to describe what she likes best and what she likes least about the job. Have her describe the way people interact with each other in the organization.
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Consider asking a pointed question about your performance during the interview and whether the interviewer would be willing to hire you. Questions like these show the interviewer that you're interested in the position, but also comfortable with the possibility of criticism. This type of question also give you a chance to show off your confidence. Possible questions to close the interview include "Do you see me being a fit for this position?" and "How do I compare with other candidates so far?" Don't forget to ask about the next step after the interview. Find out what the company's time frame is for making a hiring decision and when you should follow up with them.
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Tips & Warnings
The purpose of a resume is to get an interview; the purpose of the interview is to get to the next step. Therefore, assume that you are on an even playing field by the time you reach the interview. If you aren't qualified, they wouldn't be speaking to you.
Not only will you look organized and prepared to the interviewer, you should also want to know these answers. They will help you make a sound decision about your future there.
Repeat this process for every interviewer.
Don't forget to smile!
Be sure to read up on How to Write an Interview Thank You Email (http://www.ehow.com/how_5440808_write-interview-thank-email.html).
Remember: you will not likely not ask every question so pick and choose wisely on the interview.
Although most questions still apply, you may have to tweak a few of your questions if you are interviewing with a group of interviewers.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
