Job interviews should be interactive.
Think of your next job interview as a conversation about a proposed merger of your skills and talents with the needs and resources of the prospective new employer. Having this mindset will level the playing field between you and your interviewer and will empower you to ask all the right questions that will possibly lead to a job offer. Asking the right questions and taking notes during your interview can also prevent you from making a costly mistake in accepting an offer from an employer you really won't like.
Questions About the Nature of the Job
Show your investment in the prospective job by asking questions about the nature of the work, the team on which you'll be working and the typical challenges of the position. Asking these questions should get information from the hiring manager that's not in the ad or the job description. Ask the interviewer to describe a typical day such as, "What would I see if I came here at 6 p.m.? Would most people still be here?" Ask the interviewer what it takes to succeed at the job.
Reconnaissance Questions
You should also ask questions that let you know whether you are about to land in hostile territory. Ask questions to determine why your predecessor left, whether you would like the job and whether any deal breakers are part of the terms of the job. Ask why the position vacant and qualities the previous job holder lacked that made him unsuccessful. Ask about the best and worst aspects of the company's culture and what their average turnover rate is for positions at this level. Ask about how they make decisions and about management styles.
Positioning Questions
You also want to ask questions that give you feedback on where you stand in the hiring process and what your competition is like. If you are sure, you should also ask for the job. These questions will give you bargaining power later on should you receive an invitation to join the team. Ask how long the position been open and how many rounds of interviews they expect. Ask when they will make a decision and what your interviewer would like to see from you to make the job offer.
Questions About the Future
Find out about the safety of your prospective jobs by asking questions about the company's financial health and plans for growth. Although you may not get direct figures, you will get a sense of how confident your interviewer is in the answer. Ask the interviewer, "What's in the company's strategic plan for the next five years and how does my department fit into the plan;" "I see the organization's competitors are branching into X new markets, does this organization plan to follow suit;" "Describe your commitment to social responsibility."
Must-Ask Questions
Find out what's next in the hiring process. You need to be prepared to have a second interview, take a test or submit to whatever the organization's procedure is. You also need to know when you should expect to hear back from the company and how the hiring manager prefers you to follow-up. Ask questions like "How soon can I expect to hear from you;" "Is it okay if I follow up with you via email if I have any more questions;" and "How can I help you make a decision?"
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