How to take control of your interview

At the end of every job interview, there comes a point where the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" This is not such an unexpected moment, but often candidates for the position do not prepare for it, cannot remember a single sensible question, or ask those that cause negative feelings in the interlocutor.

In this article, we will share the story of Stephanie Daniel, Senior Vice President of Keystone Associates (the largest recruitment agency). She will tell you what questions to ask in the interview and why and which ones to avoid.

Be prepared for the moment when you are asked to ask questions. It is best to prepare 5-7 questions. Although you can ask a maximum of three. During the interview, the interlocutor may already give answers to some of the questions that you have prepared, so you should have backup options.

Too many job seekers try to ask "safe" questions: "Will you call me yourself or should I call you back?", "Why is this position open?" etc. You will get the same boring, "safe" answers to them and you will not get any benefit for yourself. To get a job in a highly competitive environment, you simply cannot afford to ask such questions.

If you really want the job you're interviewing for, then here are the questions you should ask.

You already know about my past work experience, and if there is any actual work problem that literally keeps you awake at night, how do you think I can help you?

This question raises a problem that managers face on a day-to-day basis. In answering this question, the interviewer will have to introduce you as a worker and give some initial thoughts on how you could help in solving urgent problems.

What's the most enjoyable aspect of your job? What advice would you give to someone who starts working for your company?

When you ask an interviewer about the nicest aspect of his job, you begin to understand what drives him. Maybe they take pride in making the best product on the market, or in helping people, or they make a lot of money, or maybe they are fighting disease or creating the latest technology. After the interviewer answers this question, you can understand whether this position actually suits you, whether you are driven by the same motivators as your employer.

Answering the question about advice for a beginner will allow you to understand how to behave if you are hired, and in which direction to move.

Could you describe how you envision the ideal candidate for this position? Why are these qualities important to you?

Of course, all the requirements for the applicant for the position were indicated in the vacancy description, but it is unlikely that this description was made by the manager who will interview you. So you can ask the question again about the most important qualities of a candidate and why they are so important.

You probably have a number of goals that you would like to achieve in the next year. What is the most important of them?

This question directs the interviewer to his own goals and priorities. And if any of them coincide with your thoughts and experiences, then you can talk about how you can contribute to the achievement of these goals.

Other right questions might revolve around the key motivators in the company, the qualities that employees should have, or if the other person would like to know more about your past work experience.

Avoid questions with negative connotations

Before asking any question, think about its emotional coloring and whether it will cause negative feelings in the interviewer. Here are some examples of such questions.

Please tell me about the work schedule, weekends and holidays

Well, the question is quite legitimate. But the interlocutor may think that you are more concerned with how much work you have to do, rather than the work itself.

Can I work remotely?

There is nothing wrong with remote work, it is very convenient. It is important to choose the right time to ask this question. If you ask it too early, the interviewer may see it as a lack of enthusiasm for getting to know the team and the work environment. First, demonstrate your great interest in work, your willingness to contribute to the common cause, then you can already ask a question about the possibility of remote work.

How soon is career growth possible?

The desire for career advancement is admirable. However, the interviewer may have the idea that the position you are applying for does not interest you at all, and you will try to use it only as an impetus to a higher position. Your task is to show that you really want to benefit the company, that you are committed to long-term work and the main thing for you is professional growth, use this particular wording.

Finally

The questions you have prepared can be learned, or you can write them down. It is only better that they be written down on your laptop or in a good notebook. A wrinkled piece of paper with an uneven edge will not create a positive opinion of you. Sometimes an open laptop can be distracting. And it’s especially bad if you read the questions from the laptop verbatim without looking into the eyes of the interlocutor. You need the list as a reminder: you looked in, remembered the beginning of the question, and then yourself.

It is worth remembering that it is much more important to close the interview on a good note than asking all your questions. Feel like time is running out? Don't rush through the remaining questions on your list. Better to leave yourself some time to show once again how important this position is to you, once again mention your main quality, which makes you one of the best candidates for this job. This "cover" is one of the most important phrases in an interview.