Many talented candidates do not get past the first interview because they fail to ask good questions, something that can move an interview to the offer stage.
Candidates often focus so much energy on selling their skills that listening goes out the door. They don’t make the connection between helping solve the employer’s problems and landing the job. In order to fully connect with the interviewer, you have to listen without second-guessing their needs.
Probing questions will generate the information to help you respond to an interviewer more effectively. Interviewers often view qualified candidates as poor applicants because they did not establish a good rapport.
It helps to prepare questions, but be ready to think on your feet if the conversation takes a different direction than planned. The key ingredient in developing chemistry and rapport is asking questions that lead to a dialogue.
Asking the right questions can:
Highlight information the interviewer might not have shared unless asked, such as the department’s strategic goals.
Help you to clarify concerns the interviewer might have.
Develop chemistry during the interview, which is vital to rapport building.
Help build a bridge from your skills to the employer’s needs.
Demonstrate interest and convey a sense of enthusiasm.
Turn a perceived liability (you’re overqualified, for example) into an advantage.
