Job Interview Questions to Ask – How to Stand Out from Your Competition
A key step in how to prepare for an interview is to prepare a list of questions that you will ask. It is surprising how many job candidates ask no or poor questions of the interviewer. You can set yourself apart from the competition by posing well thought out questions relating to the company, industry, and job position. Once you have completed your research you will have enough information to compile a list of fifteen to twenty questions that will position you ahead of the other candidates.
By asking questions you can help influence the flow of the interview to focus on areas important to you. The interview will also proceed more like a conversation rather than an interrogation. The more you can get the interviewer to talk about the company’s goals and objectives the more favorable impression you will leave.
You want your questions to be specific to the company and their situation, not just a list of generic questions. To get you started, here are 5 questions you should ask. Of course customize them to the situation at hand.
- “In the first three to six months in the position what objectives would you like completed?” The answer to this question will give you valuable insight into what is important to the hiring manager. Ask this early so you can relate your success stories to the objectives that will produce results for the company.
- “What current challenges and opportunities is the company addressing?” Your research should allow you to ask this question in a more specific manner. Such as, “Given the slowdown in consumer spending, what initiatives is the company taking to increase sales?” You can relate how your own experiences can help the company meet these challenges and opportunities.
- “What is the most important goal for your group this year?” Or a more specific example, “What is the most important goal for the Customer Service department this year?” This will show that you are a goal oriented individual, which is a trait much admired in a job candidate.
- “What is the biggest obstacle to your success?” By learning this you can show how your strengths can help the company overcome any hurdles they face. Your competition will not be asking these thought provoking questions.
- “Do you have any concerns about my ability to do this job?” This may seem like a tough question to ask, but it is on that you want to know the answer to while you are still in the interview. You will have an opportunity to address any concerns that are brought up. It also shows your interest in the job.
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