Often clients ask me if it’s important to have questions to ask the interviewer. Well, it’s very important because (1) it shows your interest and (2) you MUST want to know more. Right? They then ask me to give them questions to ask. Well, it’s not quite that easy. Each role is different. Each company is different. What’s discussed during the interview varies. The very worst thing you can do? Ask a question that’s already been addressed during the interview. It shows (1) you weren’t really listening (i.e. poor listening skills) and (2) you are just asking questions you’ve brought with you regardless of what transpired during the interview.
But, as I know so many of you are gearing up for that next great opportunity now that it’s a fresh, new year, here are some questions I would consider asking. And remember, it’s okay to bring a list of typed questions with you (in your portfolio along with copies of your resume and that job description), just don’t ask them all!!!!
1. The job description lists a long list of qualifications for this role. What qualifications are most important to you?
2. What keeps you up at night? (In other words, what worries the interviewer that you might be able to address as soon as you come into the role?)
3. What brought you to this company?
4. Why is this position available? (You want to know if it’s a newly created role or if your predecessor quit [why?], was terminated [again, why?] or was promoted [nice!]
5. If I get this position and we are sitting here a year from now conducting my performance review, what will I have accomplished to have received an ‘exceeded expectations’ rating?
6. What are the next steps in the process and when can I expect to hear from you?
There are many others and tons you can find on-line. Of course, the more specific you are, the better. If the company is committed to continuous learning for their staff (or so they say on their website), ask for examples of their commitment in this area. If they are committed to the environment or volunteerism or something else that is important to you, ask for examples of how they walk the talk. And please don’t ask how many vacation days there are, what the sick policy is, if you can carry over sick time, if they would consider you working from home when your kids are sick, how quickly you will be promoted, what the maternity leave benefits are, etc. Leave that for the negotiation part after you’ve been offered the position. Let them fall in love with you first.
Remember, the interview is a two-way street. You want to learn as much as you can about the role, the company and the employees so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you. It’s not just about the company looking for the right candidate.
I would love to hear from you. What are your favourite questions to ask of potential employers?
Don’t forget to bring your Business Card ,or, as Alice has coined it, your “Networking Card” in your portfolio to exchange with the interviewer. Good article Alice.
The quality of your questions differentiates you whether you are information interviewing or job interviewing. Composing specific questions based on your study of the organizations’ website, newspaper or business magazine articles,or annual report is an acquirable skill.. The more you practice, the better your questions and the better your results. You will stand out from the crowd.
Great advice !