We all know it is important to prepare for the questions that might come up in an interview but sometimes we forget about an equally crucial part of the interview process. The part where we ask our potential employer questions. Is it important to ask questions in an interview? And if so, what questions should I ask in an interview? Let´s dissect these two questions in more detail.
In response to the first question, it is absolutely crucial to ask questions during an interview. Sometimes we are so focused in getting a specific job that we feel extremely passionate or excited about, that we forget to double check that the company and role are actually meeting the expectations that we had before we started the interview process. We must go with our eyes fully open as changing jobs can alter the direction of our professional career. Making the wrong move can sometimes have a highly detrimental impact on our professional future. Whilst this should not scare us into inaction, it means we should have our antennas and senses alert and a willingness to evaluate as much as possible from a new potential employer.
Another reason why it is so important to ask questions at interview is that our interviewer wants to feel our interest in them as well as seeing that we are smart and discerning individuals with the ability to assess the suitability of situations and proposals. This needs to be done in the right way, as there is a fine line between healthy and intelligent questions versus a line of questioning that could give the impression that the candidate has concerns and perhaps not enough interest in them as a company. How do you navigate this fine line in a successful way? Firstly by ensuring that your enthusiasm and excitement for the role and company are effectively communicated. You also want to think carefully about what questions you should be asking making sure that you are formulating them in the right way.
When it comes to the actual questions that you should be asking at interview, these can vary depending on the actual business that you are speaking with, their circumstances or perhaps a certain situation within the industry or market you are working in. This is where talking to an interview coach can help you enormously to navigate this in a highly successful manner. Leaving aside questions related to specific circumstances, you might want to ask your potential employer what their corporate culture is like or what the expectations from the position that you are applying for are. These type of questions will help you understand a bit more about whether you would be happy working in that environment and with a certain set of expectations. There are other type of questions that are also crucial to let your interviewer know that you are a discerning individual who will evaluate a situation adequately before jumping in. These questions could be related to how the business is performing in your specific market or function, what obstacles they are encountering, how developed the business is or whether they are looking for someone to maintain the status quo or to influence change. If your role is indeed needed to impact change within the business, other more interesting questions could be formulated related to the internal dynamics with the different departments and potential obstacles to be aware of.
Whichever your situation is, asking your potential future employer questions is a tremendous asset that one should use at interview. It should provide clarity over the suitability of the opportunity as well as enhancing your chances of getting the job of your dreams by showing your interviewer that you have the ability to analyse any situation in a highly competent manner.
If you would like to learn more about impactful questioning and how to wow your interviewer during the interview process, email patricia@mayainterviewcoach.com
You can also read this article and more on our Linkedin page (12) The importance of asking Questions in an Interview | LinkedIn
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