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Asking questions in the Interview

June 30, 2015 by Joe Mabus

Question-MarkWhen asked to participate in a face-to face interview, you are not just there for the interviewer to determine if you are right for the position, but asking good questions can also help determine if this is the right opportunity for you. Job satisfaction is a two-way street after all, in which the employer gains a valued employee, and the employee gains a valued work environment.

Asking the right questions also shows the interviewer that you are serious about the opportunity. Questions also allow you to demonstrate your knowledge about the company and industry.

Failure to ask thought-provoking questions is interpreted as a lack of interest or being ill-prepared.

Click this infographic to enlarge.

Infographic

Do ask the following questions:

  • Ask job relevant questions. Focus on the opportunity and responsibilities, the company, and products and services.
  • Good questions are open-ended because they require an explanation. Questions which can be answered with a “yes” or “no” stop the conversation.
  • Better questions are behavioral. They ask how things are done or have happened in the past, because current and past behavior is the best predictor of future performance.
  • Ask questions that relate to long-range career path opportunities.
  • Make sure you have at least three to five different questions prepared for each person you meet with.

Don’t ask the following questions:

  • Salary, benefits, vacation, retirement, or hours of position.

Great questions to ask:

  • Can you describe the company’s culture and leadership philosophy?
  • What would you say are the three most important skills needed to excel in this position?
  • What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face?
  • What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in the first three months?
  • What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
  • How long did the previous person in the role hold the position? What has turnover in the role generally been like
  • What strategic advantage does you competition have?
  • What motivated you to join the company?
  • Where can the position lead for a top performer?
  • How long has this position been open?

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