Interview questions to ask about the job –
“Could you give me a more detailed job description?”
“How would you describe a typical day for the person doing this job?”
Impress the interviewer by taking your questioning beyond the routine detail of the position. Thoughtful and strategic-type questions about the job demonstrate both your insight and understanding of the position.
Every role has a strategic dimension, ask good interview questions that explore this and show your potential as the right candidate. Examples include:
- “What are the immediate priorities in this job?”
- “What have been identified as the areas for change and improvement in this job?”
- “How does this position interface with the objectives that have been set for the department?”
- “What are the most challenging aspects of this job?”
- “What is the critical responsibility of this position?”
Plan good interview questions that focus on the job expectations and needs, such as:
- “What would be the ideal skills and competencies for this position?”
- “What are some examples of the best results produced by people in this position?”
- “How would doing an excellent job be defined in this position?”
- “What expertise is currently available in the team? What would this position be expected to contribute to the team?”
- “What would be the most important assignments that need to be accomplished in the first few months in this position?”
Good interview questions to ask include those that provide an opportunity to highlight your suitability for the job. You can do this by asking questions such as:
- “Do you have any concerns about my ability to fulfill the job requirements?”
- “Are there any areas I need to clarify in order to confirm my suitability for this job?”
These interview questions allow the interviewer to express any concerns he or she might have. You then have an opportunity to address them in the best possible way.
Good interview questions to ask also come as a result of listening to what is being said during the interview and following up on what you hear.
Make use of the interview information –
Pick up on issues that arise during the interview when you are asked common job interview questions and integrate these into your questions. For example:
“From what you have discussed it seems you are experiencing strong growth in sales. How does this impact on the position?”
As a candidate you want to know the reason for the job opening. Phrase your question in a non-challenging way such as:
“Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?”
This question can alert you to any possible problems with the position. It can also be an opportunity to reassure the interviewer about your suitability.
A good way to close your interview is to ask a question like:
“May I contact you if I think of any other questions?”
