The interview is your opportunity to confirm your candidacy. You have to take it seriously. To make a solid impression, you must come prepared. Job interviews are business transactions. To perform your best, go beyond asking the typical interview questions. While preparing, spend time developing questions that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Dig below the surface and ask probing questions conveying your critical thinking skills and preparation. This will impress upon your audience how serious you are about the position. Here are examples of typical interview questions along with their more thoughtful alternatives:
There are quite a few typical interview questions that you can ask about the financial health and challenges of the company. Typically, these do not help you learn about the internal operations, ethos, or strengths of the organization. Your goal is to probe for as much information as possible by asking insightful inquiries. For example, “What company successes make you the most proud?” This will give you an edge in understanding what the interviewer finds important, especially pertaining to what he/she places value on. This is also a springboard for fantastic follow up questions to help you learn about the organization, the personality of the interviewer and how the organization is poised for the future.
There are typical interview questions you can ask about the specific position to help you ascertain the expectations. Yet, you typically walk out of the interview scratching your head and thinking of what you should have asked. The result is making assumptions that may/may not be accurate. In some cases you may find yourself justifying a red flag that you did not address. An example of a suggested inquiry is, “How would you prioritize the functions/duties of this position?” This helps you understand where the company/hiring manager is placing emphasis. You also learn very quickly how to keep your manager satisfied with your performance.
There are typical interview questions you can ask with regard to turnover. Yet, these too, do not always provide answers to help you make the appropriate decision. Employers are skilled in glossing over areas of concern for their company. How you pose the question can give you an improved assessment of the situation. My favorite question on this topic is: “Is this position newly created or recently vacated?” By asking this question specifically, you are able to put your audience at ease with your tone and learn about the relevant situation you are competing for. By gathering this information, you can make a better determination of whether or not this position is right for you by understanding the expectations up front.
When
preparing for the interview, go beyond just being average. You only have one chance at this opportunity
and you have to capitalize on it. Think about the answers that are acceptable
for you before your meeting. Conduct
your research and sharpen your questions. You will confirm your candidacy by differentiating
from your competitors and advance the sale.
