Asking Your Questions During an Interview

Asking Your Questions During an Interview If you have ever been to a job interview, you prepare for any question that may be asked. When being asked about your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and education, the employer is seeking to get to know you. Your answers help determine if they will continue to view you as a potential employee or if you will be one of the unfortunate people to receive the dreaded rejection letter. When most interviews are almost over, something unique happens. The interviewer turns to you and says, “Do you have any questions for me?” What?!?! Now, YOU have a chance to ask questions? Yes! Unfortunately, when most people hear this question, they freeze and cannot think of one question to ask. Instead, be prepared and ready to respond to this portion of the interview. First, make a list of questions prior to the interview. Think about what you may want to know about the company. However, be sure to ask questions that cannot be answered by the company’s website. No interviewer wants to answer questions that could have easily been answered by a quick run-through of the company website. Next, ask questions that actually provide you with real information. Ask deeper questions that help provide you with a feel for the culture of the company. One of my favorite questions to ask an interviewer is, “What is your favorite part of working here?” When you ask someone this, you can usually tell they are impressed with the question. How quickly the respondent answers the question and what they respond will usually tell you a great deal about a company. Another question to ask may be, “What is a typical day like in this position?” While the interviewer may not give you a direct answer, you will learn inside information about the position. You can find out what tasks happen on a daily basis and how they are accomplished in this position. Finally, watch non-verbal communication cues when you ask these questions. You may be able to infer other information just by watching these subtle hints. And, take all of the information you have gathered during the interview, including responses to YOUR questions, when making a judgment on the potential employer. Jot down some notes immediately after the interview; this will allow you to make an appropriate and informed decision should a job offer come your way.