No job interview is easy. You need to be smart in
answering as well as asking questions.
Knowing what questions to ask and avoid is one of your keys to
success. Although asking intelligent
questions won’t guarantee an offer, but asking bad or inappropriate questions
will definitely kill. I’ve recently read
an article from Jimmy Sweeny which contains valuable tips about what to ask and
avoid over a job interview. Here’s the
article.
Questions to ASK and AVOID during your next job interview…
The
phone call you've waited for has finally come! You've been invited in for a job
interview. Now your nerves are on edge. You know what to wear but you may not
know what questions to ask or avoid, or if you'll even have an opportunity to
speak up other than to answer questions fired at you.
Don't
worry. There will be time for you to voice your concerns and inquiries. The
important thing is to know what questions to ask and which ones to set
aside—for now. Keep in mind that interviewers want to speak with job seekers
who are sharp, confident, and professional. This is no time to be passive and
overly polite, though courtesy is always appropriate. Remember, you're vying
for the job you want. Take an active role in asking questions by being prepared
ahead of time.
Consider These:
·
What factors about
this company are attractive to you?
·
What makes this firm a
great place to build a career?
·
How do you see the
future of this company?
·
What is the most
challenging aspect of working for this organization?
·
In your opinion, what
would be the biggest adjustment for someone new?
Answers
to these questions can help you decide whether or not this is the place you
want to work. They will also help you respond to the questions you're asked.
You'll be ready to answer in a way that will show you were listening, paying
attention, and taking note of management's vision and objectives for the
company.
Questions to Avoid
Steer clear of
questions that you can answer yourself by doing a bit of basic research
online—such as the kind of work you'd be doing, or the level of leadership that
would be expected of you or the focus of the company. Walk into the interview
armed with as much information as possible and then ask only those questions
that will help you decide whether to accept or decline the job offer if it is
presented.
Also avoid asking questions related to
salary, benefits, vacation, sick days and so on. At this point you have not yet
been offered the position. You are being 'screened.'
There will come a time and place to discuss
pay and benefits, but the interview is not that place.
Use What You Learn
The most important thing you can do during
an interview is to show yourself as someone the hiring manager wants. Focus on displaying your skills
and experience and how you can fit the profile of the person the interviewer is
looking for. This gives you leverage for negotiating salary and benefits when
the job offer comes through.
Be aware of the
impression you'd make if you ask questions that have nothing to do with the job
opportunity. An interview is not a social visit or a time to talk about sports
and hobbies. It's a business meeting that has one purpose: to determine if you
are the right person to fill the opening. If the interviewer asks a few
questions about your interests, it's fine to answer them honestly. He or she
wants to get to know you—but avoid getting off-track with long-winded responses
that take the focus off the job.
Common sense is
your best ally. Be yourself. Do your homework. Show up neatly dressed. Arrive
on time. Know the right questions to ask, and the ones to avoid. And bring
enthusiasm, a smile, and a firm handshake.
©
Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the
new, Amazing Cover Letter and Secret Career Document
