The job search process can be grueling and often disappointing. You suit up, prepare and practice your answers, and feel you’ve done well—until you’re informed that another candidate was chosen.
What happened? It’s possible that the selected candidate went one step further by preparing and asking a list of questions which impressed the employer enough to generate a job offer. And you can, too.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Prior to the interview, start learning as much as you can about the company and anything relates to the position you’re being considered for. For example, if you’re going for a sales position, try to find out anything you can about the company’s growth history and future targets.
Develop your interview questions from the information you find and also from what you couldn’t find and want to know. Unless you have an incredible memory, write the questions down before the interview and leave space if you want to jot down the answers. You can also add any questions that come up during the interview.
Become The Interviewer
Most interviewers will welcome your questions, expect them, and will be impressed that you want to know as much as you can about the job, the company’s status, the corporate culture—and whether the job is a good match from your side of the table.
“Not only are you getting more information about the job, you’re showing the interviewer that you genuinely care about the position, the company, and your role should you get hired,” say The Interview Guys in a recent article.
So if an interviewer asks if you have any questions, pull out your list and start asking. If they don’t offer that opportunity, step up and tell them, “I do have a few questions I’d like to ask you. Do you have a few minutes to answer them?” That way you’re being respectful of the interviewer’s time, which is also a plus.
Ask The Right Questions Of The Right People
In all cases, make sure your questions are relevant and specific to the particular interviewer. As The Interview Guys note, “When you ask tailored questions, you’re showing the hiring manager that you’re willing to do what it takes to get the job.”
The information you get from this “reverse interview” should help you make the decision to accept, reject, or negotiate an offer and ensure your new job won’t end up being significantly different than you expected.
In my next blog post, I’ll provide examples of good questions to ask and why they’re relevant.
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Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Colleen Slaughter, Proud Executive Coach to the UN World Food Program, the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
As an Executive Coach for Women in Leadership and Transformational Facilitator, my intention is to help leaders in positions of high influence to understand their worth at a profound level.
Supporting women leaders to truly thrive and step into their greatness, while succeeding in male-dominated industries and spaces is my native genius.
My technique and approach show you how to achieve incredible career success without compromising any part of who you are and what makes you magnificent.