According to a recent Classes and Careers article, some of the most common interview mistakes include failing to ask for the job, or concentrating too much on what you want. Being proactive and asking questions during the interview is critical to making a good impression. Keep in mind that one third of surveyed bosses claim they knew within the first 90 seconds whether they would hire someone. Below introduces five questions that you can ask to make a good impression and get the job.
1. How has this position changed over the years?
It is very important to know the history of the position and how it has changed and grown. This will also give you clues about the opportunities for growth and expansion within the position. This is a good time to focus on your core competencies and how they relate to how the company wants to develop the position. However, jobs that keep see-sawing between different responsibilities and levels of authority may indicate instability and potential problems. Pay attention if there has been continual turnover since the position started.
2. What does it take to succeed in this position?
Learning how past employees have successfully excelled in the position will educate you on how the company sets expectations and measures achievements. The interviewer will most likely describe the positive and negative attributes of past employees in the position which will educate you on the company subculture and the company’s unofficial expectations. In addition, it can provide you the opportunity to compare your past accomplishments with the positions’ current expectations. Take advantage of this question to stress that your skills and experiences clearly qualify you for this position.
3. What are the top priorities for this job?
Asking this question is a great way to find out about current problems and opportunities with the position. It will provide you the chance to role play how you would deal with these challenges. For example, if the interviewer says that one of the top priorities is upgrading to new software and training employees, you can share your past experiences with how you might have implemented new changes and how you were successful. Focus on highlighting your skills and education to provide a brief consultation with relevant suggestions and solutions.
4. What do you like most about working here?
This question will allow you to find out if your values and vision for the future match your potential employers. This is an excellent screening question to identify any potential problems. For example, if the interviewer mentions they are unsatisfied with the benefits package, and you need good health insurance coverage for your family, this may not be the right position for you. This question is also great way to steer the conversation into a more casual tone about personal preferences and experiences and will allow you to connect with your interviewer on a more personal level.
5. Do you have any concerns about my qualifications?
This direct question will allow you to discuss any potential concerns with the hiring manager at the end of the interview. It will advertise your confidence and openness to accepting direction. However, keep in mind that HR professionals are often tight lipped about how they evaluate interviewees since they want to maintain confidentiality and avoid potential lawsuits. However, if you ask politely, the interviewer may discuss their concerns and give you the chance to re-sell yourself and your commitment to learning and growing. If they think you’re lacking in certification or education you could offer to take online programmes from RMUoHP.edu to strengthen your chances and show your willingness to improve.
In conclusion, asking the right questions will increase your interview efficacy and success. You just have to know what to ask and how to ask it. Good luck for your next interview!
Do you know any more questions all interviewees need to ask? Post them below!
Photo: Jinx! / Flickr
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