Three Great Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

November 7, 2012

 

Job interviews almost always end the same way: with the interviewer asking, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Too many people make the mistake of responding with, “No, I think we’ve covered everything I need to know.” Not having questions prepared is one of the biggest mistakes job candidates make. It’s not only an opportunity to learn more about your potential employer, but also to show that you’ve prepared for the interview and are interested in the position.

Here are three good questions to ask in your next interview:

1. If you hire me, what would be my first three priorities?
This question is a chance to draw out some specific needs that you can address. If the interviewer tells you that poor sales are a big problem, you now have the opportunity to share the story of how you turned around an under-performing sales team in your last position.

2. What are your biggest concerns about this position?
In other words, what part of your duties, if not done properly, will stress out the hiring manager the most? This is a chance to share what you’ll bring to the table that will allow the hiring manager to sleep soundly at night. For example, if customer complaints are a concern, bring up your excellent customer service record at your previous job.

3. After speaking with me, do you have any concerns or doubts about my qualifications that I can address?
When the hiring manager is making his or her decision, there will inevitably be some “buts” for each candidate. As in, “I like this guy’s experience, but…” Asking this question will allow you to address some of those doubts and perhaps go into the decision making process with fewer “buts” than the next candidate.

Keep in mind that as you are being interviewed, you are also interviewing the company. Asking the right questions will not only impress the hiring manager, but provide information that can help you decide whether the company and position are a good fit for you.

We’re very experienced at guiding candidates through the interview process. If you’d like some advice or help, please contact us. Also, please take a look at our open positions and let us know if you find something that piques your interest.