If you're lucky enough to be invited to a job interview, you know that you must have been one of the few that have stood out. Now you have fewer people to contend with, but a higher standard to rise to.
Job interviews are highly competitive, with only the best of the candidates getting there. Your job now is to impress the prospective employer more than anyone else does - this can be tough and so research is needed.
For this post however, I will be focusing mainly on the latter part of the interview - the questions. In whatever job you manage to get an interview for, the chance for you to inquire further, is normally always offered.
Not everyone asks questions because they can't think of one there and then on the spot, and this is what (a lot of employers say) can ruin the chance of getting the job.
A bit of preparation on your part however, can go a long way and will be made manifest during the interview.(Hopefully).
Update: I have now wrote a post about '15 Mistakes to avoid in an interview'.
1. "What exactly would my responsibilities be?"
Before you accept any job, you should be clear of your responsibilities and roles, as well as the tasks that you would be required to take on.
It is very easy to pick up a false view of what the job is going to be like, so asking about it will either confirm or re-evaluate your assumptions. It also allows you and the interviewer to have a mutual understanding.
If you're still not sure, or they give a vague answer, politely follow up with a few more questions.
2. "What would be your ideal candidate?"
This will reveal important information to know what is expected. Unlike question #1 though, this will give more of a guideline for the quality of the work and the characteristics of the employee.
A similar question to ask instead of or as well as this one is: "What are the 3 most important things you're looking for in an employee?"
3. "What possible opportunities are there for advancement?"
This allows you to get an insight to the skills that you may acquire in the future, but also (more importantly) gives the interviewer the impression that you are looking to stay for the long term and have an aspiration in helping the company.
4. "What do you most enjoy about working here?"
Remember that your interviewer is not just here to belittle or intimidate you, but is a human-being who will understand what it's like to sit where you are. This person or these people, could be the way the window you need to get your foot in the door of the company.
Getting their views and insights to your possible future work placement, will give you more of a feeling for the company and maybe the team morale.
If you wanted, you could address this question from a different view-point. For example: "What would you, if anything, change about the company?".
5. "What qualities would I need to work well with other team-members?"
Employers really like to see teamwork because of its necessity in the working atmosphere. Showing that you are thinking about this essential skill is great for the interviewer to recognise.
Instead of asking point #2, you may feel that this one would be better suited, as you are still getting an insight to what is expected of you. Or it could be a follow-up question to #2 - it's up to you.
6. "Do you think I have any possible weaknesses?"
It might sound a bit direct, but is a fair question to ask. If they don't, then you could ask: "is there any reservation why I wouldn't be offered the job"?
If they do then say a few points of concern, then you have a chance to put their mind at ease. Talk to them about previous experiences that can prove to them that their fears are unnecessary and that you would be totally committed to the job.
If when asking the original question, they do have some issues, then (like above) just go straight ahead and put their issues to bed.
7. "Can you describe a typical working day?"
This question will help you to understand the amount of time you are expected to spend on each task, with the insight to what you're expected to do. (Similar to question #1).
8. "How soon do you expect to make hiring decisions?"
This should be asked nearer the end of the interview, and gives you a time-period in which you can make any follow-up calls.
It's likely that you'll have other job prospects in mind, so knowing when they're likely to be hiring is important. You can then evaluate other job prospects as appropriate.
9. "What are the most challenging aspects concerning this position?"
Getting a look into what the interviewer sees as potential difficulties (or what he knows from experience) is beneficial. If anything, it shows you are wanting to know all you can about the job, but it also opens the floor for you to reassure them that you are more than capable of handling these laborious tasks.
10. "Can I contact you if I have any further questions?"
This is a great way to close the interview, normally leaving a lasting impression.
Along with question #8, you can ask these further questions in the time frame he/she has given you regarding hiring decisions.
It's also a chance to give them your contact details again, psychologically leaving a bit more weight to your name.
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