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MAYBE YOU’RE capable of having an acceptable answer for every question that the interviewer shoots your way, but if every other candidate does too, you’ll be easily forgettable.
To gain an advantage, you need to show the interviewer that you can ask the questions too.
In her book 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions, Vicky Oliver writes that she “learned the hard way to always come prepared with questions” at the beginning of her career.
“A successful job interview is simply a productive conversation. Sometimes, depending on the personality of your future employer, this conversation may seem somewhat one-sided. For these situations you should arrive with an arsenal of questions to ask — just in case.”
Here are eight questions you should ask the interviewer to win them over.
Why this works: Asking this type of question gets the "conversation ball" rolling, and your interviewer will surely have an opinion. Furthermore, their answers will give you insights into their personality, ambitions and will likely lead to other questions. (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: quinn.anya on Flickr/Creative Commons)
Why this works: This question shows the interviewer that you care about your future at the company, and it'll also help you decide if you're a good fit for the position or not. "Once the interviewer tells you what she's looking for in a candidate, picture that person in your mind's eye. She/he should look a lot like you." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Why this works: "You brought up the fact that your interviewer is an acknowledged expert in his field before he did." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: roanokecollege on Flickr)
Why this works: Asking this type of question shows that you've already done your homework on the company. "Ask questions that are simple, direct, and show that you've done you're homework without a great deal of elaboration. Your interviewer can't fail to be impressed and to take your job candidacy seriously. (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: fabrisalvetti on Flickr/Creative Commons)
Why this works: "Asking about the internal structure of a company or details about the specific job description can also help you position yourself as the ideal candidate. If you're going to be working for several bosses, it's important to understand the lay of the internal land, also known as the "pecking order." If you're going to be managing several people, it's a good idea to try to meet up with them." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: bpsusf on Flickr/Creative Commons)
Why this works: "Star performers are usually anxious to get involved to get involved in the new business effort, even if they are not technically on the new business team. When you ask about new business, you're signalling that you're an A player." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Why this works: Again, this proves that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company. (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: sun dazed on Flickr/Creative Commons
Why this works: "You've tossed out a "feeler" to your interviewer. If he still has any unresolved questions or nagging concerns about you, he'll tell you." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: bpsusf on Flickr via Creative Commons)
I always hated that part of the interview. “Do you have any questions for us?” – “Er…. Did you watch the match last night?”
If I was interviewing anyone and they asked any of those questions I would actually laugh in their face ……..NEXT!
We asked people last year who were looking for a job what changes they would bring and how would they shake up the current situation and improve things.
They told us they’d put an end to all the stuff that happened previously and chart a way out of the difficult situation we were in with fairness..very impressive pitch so they got the job.
Unfortunately they were just as bad as what went before them, a complete disaster and has brought us to our knees but their contract forbids us from giving them the boot until the next general election.
Excellent. A real cliff hanger, or is that too close to the truth for comfort. ;)
So Mr. M , what can you bring to this job?? Um… My lunch?
As a scaffolder i’m pretty sure anyone who asked – “I think it’s pretty clear that I would love to work for you. So tell me, what are my next steps?” – would be told to ….”get on the f***ing scaffolding”.
“How much do I get paid?” Nice and professional! That will draw the focus of the interview away from (a) your interest in the job itself and (b) the skills you both have and are willing to learn to succeed in the role. Salary expectations are usually discussed elsewhere in the interview or following the job offer itself. I presume the job seeker would have an idea of the salary when they make their application. Only a numpty would lead with they question.
“Q4: What are your plans for combating competition in the full-size pickup market?”
what is a full-size pickup market?
Is it a busy copper face jacks on a Saturday night???
Stupid questions to ask, would not get hired if you asked them, only in fairylike x factor land would it seem appropriate to ask questions like that. The interviewee should know the problems and where they fit in solving them, if you have to ask your a tool.
a good question is ‘are their any reservations you have about me that you’d like me to address’
The first question to ask in my opinion is ,how much wages do you get and will I get the same as you.
Sinn Fien communists!
We’ll be in touch.
My mother always told me that it’s Inadvisable to argue with an Internet troll. Sensible advise if you ask me!
The questions sound kinda snobby. I would suss out what type of person the interviewer is first by the questions they ask me, cause if they’re laid back there’s a risk of getting laughed at! You could try being a lick ass by asking what biscuits they like with their tea “low fat rich tea? Oh please, you don’t have an ounce to loose!” Hired.
You have to assess the person interviewing you before asking ANY questions. I have asked what I felt were questions which showed an interest and some drive – the reaction suggested I was viewed as an upstart. Take all such advice with a massive pinch of salt.
I remember going for an interview at a well known Irish retailers once. I was kept waiting by a very rude employer who proceeded to tell me how big a hurry she was In to get to the airport and in the course of the interview she of course kept looking at her watch. I didn’t get the job and I doubt if asking any of these inane questions would have made a difference!
Yeah that’s all good if you not being employed through a recruitment company that no nothing about the company your trying to get the job with. And they ask the most ridiculous unrelated questions that are nearly impossible to prepare for.
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