Are you nervous about asking questions during interviews? Fear no more! Here are 20 quick questions you can ask conversationally. Obviously you don’t need to ask all of them – just the ones that are relevant to you and your situation.
Do you engage your interviewer by asking questions during your interview? By asking questions during the interview, you’re showing interest in the job but you’re also showing how well you are able to communicate.
Think about it. What if the only thing between you and getting hired was whether or not you asked questions? Engage with your interviewer to be sure you’re not eliminated from the applicant pool. Be sure to ask questions so you’ll be perceived as vibrant, self-confident, and interested – clearly you’ll be taken much more seriously.
Here is a quick list of MUST ask interview questions. Select a couple of questions for your interview. Obviously you don’t want to inundate your interviewer with questions. Just have a couple ready to go.
1. In your opinion, how does your company compare to its competition?
2. What are the company’s greatest strengths? Weaknesses? Threats?
3. What was the greatest challenge for your company last year? Was it something that you were able to overcome? How? Why/why not?
4. What are your company’s long term business goals?
5. How do your department’s operations fit into the company’s long term goals?
6. How would you describe the company’s management philosophy?
7. What is the company’s corporate culture?
8. What first attracted you to this company? What keeps you here now?
9. Does the company promote outside/additional training?
10. How would you describe your management style?
11. What is the culture in your department?
12. How many employees work within your department?
13. Would I be expected to travel? If so, how much?
14. Could you describe a typical day for an employee in this position?
15. What are the daily goals for the person who accepts this position? And, the top priorities?
16. How is performance in this role evaluated and measured? When is performance reviewed? Who conducts performance evaluations?
17. Why is the position for which I am applying open? What created the need for the opening?
18. What do you envision for the first 90 days in this position? What about the first six months?
19. How does this position contribute to meeting the department’s objectives? What about the company’s objectives?
20. Could you tell me what skills and abilities are possessed by the most successful individuals in the company?
Preparing for a job interview is easy. It just takes practice. Practice asking questions and you’ll gain the confidence and job interview skills you need to ensure success. Role play with a buddy. Keep this up until you’re no longer uncomfortable asking questions. Engage your interviewer. You’ll demonstrate your interest and self-confidence level along with just how well you’re able to communicate.
Other items of interest:
A Vita Career Management 