Interviewing plays a significant role in your job search, and it’s the big meeting you’ve been working toward. If you could have some control over the questions you’re going to be asked and know a little more about what’s going to happen, wouldn’t that reduce your stress level significantly?
Asking the right questions can help you become a sought-after candidate, although there are many who feel asking questions is not a good interview technique.
Look at this as a sales opportunity, and you are the product. If you don’t ask the right questions, you can’t help solve the customer’s &emdash; the employer’s &emdash; needs.
The next time you are called for an interview, consider asking these three questions before your meeting. You’ll be better informed, which will make you better prepared and a stronger candidate.
1. Can you send me an updated job description? Even if the description is on the company website, their needs may have changed, and having the latest job description will help you underline key skills and the job responsibilities. Use this information to plan your questions and build a bridge to your accomplishments.
2. Who will I be meeting with, and what role do they play in the organization? This helps clarify if this is a screening interview or if you are on the road to the offer. It’s common to have a short screening interview to determine the next round of meetings. The hiring decision-makers may not be included in the screening round, so it helps to know who you will be talking with.
3. What is it about my background that interested you most? Key in on their response, and develop examples of your accomplishments &emdash; with results &emdash; that relate to their interests. A candidate I know found the employer was most interested by her degree, although academic degrees weren’t event mentioned in the job posting.
If an interview remains a one-way street, it’s not a discussion. It’s hard to develop the chemistry you need to create the “likeability factor” when you spend the whole interview in response mode.
A really good interview is an exchange of information, not an interrogation.
What are your thoughts on asking these questions before an interview?
