The Best Questions to Ask in an Interview
27 November 2014
Read by 3845 persons
"Do you have any questions?" is very often what concludes a job interview. The worst answer is to not ask any questions...
At a minimum, you can use the usual practical questions:
• "What are the next steps?"
• "How long will it take to make a decision?"
• "When would you like the start date?"
But to stand out and demonstrate our interest and involvement, we can take advantage of this opportunity to ask more global questions that could be decisive for what comes next.
What are the main challenges to overcome upon starting the job?
This question is interesting for knowing more precisely what is expected of you, informing you of the concrete short-term expectations. What would happen if, tomorrow morning, you started working for this employer? What are the priorities? By answering this question, the employer must also visualize you in this position and you can follow up by showing your understanding of the work to be done.
What is the primary objective to achieve?
This is another way of informing yourself about the position, but also a way of demonstrating your own vision and briefly discussing it with the employer.
How does the employer envision the future for this position?
This is a way of indicating that you are ready to meet challenges and to be constantly evolving, but above all a good way to clarify the employer's expectations and to prepare yourself well for the future.
What does the employer plan for the coming years?
If you wish to show your interest in the company, find out as much as possible about it before the interview. When the time comes, you will be able to ask a question about a challenge to be met for the company (a new competitor, a changing market, a new work method adopted, a technological evolution, etc.). It is always appreciated when a candidate demonstrates, with evidence, that he or she has taken the time to understand the culture and challenges of a future employer. On your side, you will be able to learn more about their way of achieving the company's objectives, and how the employer conceives your position in the long term.
And your application?
If you feel bold, why not take advantage of this to try to find out what they see in you? What elements of your application would best contribute to the required work, according to them? Indirectly, you will know if they have doubts on certain points. This will allow you to demonstrate your self-critical sense, and even to readjust certain of your own answers that may have been misinterpreted.
Don't make them repeat themselves
Be attentive. Avoid asking questions that the employer has already answered during the interview. What you ask must add value, demonstrate your interest in your future functions and attest to your commitment.
Workopolis.com
Published November 17, 2014.
Posted online November 27, 2014.
At a minimum, you can use the usual practical questions:
• "What are the next steps?"
• "How long will it take to make a decision?"
• "When would you like the start date?"
But to stand out and demonstrate our interest and involvement, we can take advantage of this opportunity to ask more global questions that could be decisive for what comes next.
What are the main challenges to overcome upon starting the job?
This question is interesting for knowing more precisely what is expected of you, informing you of the concrete short-term expectations. What would happen if, tomorrow morning, you started working for this employer? What are the priorities? By answering this question, the employer must also visualize you in this position and you can follow up by showing your understanding of the work to be done.
What is the primary objective to achieve?
This is another way of informing yourself about the position, but also a way of demonstrating your own vision and briefly discussing it with the employer.
How does the employer envision the future for this position?
This is a way of indicating that you are ready to meet challenges and to be constantly evolving, but above all a good way to clarify the employer's expectations and to prepare yourself well for the future.
What does the employer plan for the coming years?
If you wish to show your interest in the company, find out as much as possible about it before the interview. When the time comes, you will be able to ask a question about a challenge to be met for the company (a new competitor, a changing market, a new work method adopted, a technological evolution, etc.). It is always appreciated when a candidate demonstrates, with evidence, that he or she has taken the time to understand the culture and challenges of a future employer. On your side, you will be able to learn more about their way of achieving the company's objectives, and how the employer conceives your position in the long term.
And your application?
If you feel bold, why not take advantage of this to try to find out what they see in you? What elements of your application would best contribute to the required work, according to them? Indirectly, you will know if they have doubts on certain points. This will allow you to demonstrate your self-critical sense, and even to readjust certain of your own answers that may have been misinterpreted.
Don't make them repeat themselves
Be attentive. Avoid asking questions that the employer has already answered during the interview. What you ask must add value, demonstrate your interest in your future functions and attest to your commitment.
Workopolis.com
Published November 17, 2014.
Posted online November 27, 2014.
