Questions to Ask to Nail Your Interview

Tews Company has secured an interview for you with a fantastic organization!  You’re feeling excited and hopeful, but also slightly apprehensive and a tad nervous.  To ease your nerves, you review your checklist:

• Interview attire is clean and pressed; Check!
• Just had a haircut (and colored! Make sure those grays aren’t showing!); Check!
• Three clean copies of your resume are in your leather binder; Check!
• Car is gassed up and you have accurate directions to the interview site; Check!

So, you are ready for the interview, right?  Not quite!  Being thoroughly prepared for the question and answer portion of the interview is crucial.

In an interview, you are evaluated not only on how you answer the questions you are asked, but also the quality of the questions you ask.  Asking thoughtful questions could overcome some lack of skills you may have in other areas.

Good questions to ask focus on the aspects of the role, the relationship of the job to the business and the culture/environment of the organization.  Below are some sample questions to ask and questions NOT to ask!

Sample questions to ask in a first interview:

Why is the position open?
Try not to be so focused on getting the job that you overlook why the position is available in the first place. Is it a new position?  Has the previous employee been promoted? Did they leave? The interviewer may not give you all the details, but from their answer you should be able to start to form your own opinion of the company and the position.  If this person has been promoted, ask if you would able to meet with this person at some point during the interview process.

What are the most important qualifications needed for this position?
Most job descriptions have a long list of skills and abilities needed for the role.  This question helps to more clearly establish what qualifications are essential from the point-of-view of the hiring manager.

What are the top two or three priorities that you want this person to work on in the first few weeks in the role?
The answer to this question will not only provide important details as to what the job will initially entail, but also subtly lets the hiring manager know you are genuine in finding out what really needs to be accomplished.   

Could you give me an example of something that the person who holds (or held) this role does (or did) very well?
Another unique question that may help you to identify what job duties are important to the hiring manager. 

What constitutes success with this position and your company?
This is a great way to not only show that you’re interested in succeeding (not just putting the time in) but it also gives you key insight into the expectations of the position and the culture of the company.

What attracted you to working for this organization?
A great question that will shift the conversation to finding out more about the person who will be your supervisor.  Remember you are interviewing them as well!

Could you describe to me your management style?
Will you be able to thrive under the leadership of this individual?

How would you describe the general culture of the company and the workplace?
Is the company culture a fit for you?

Before I leave, is there anything else you would like to know concerning my ability to do this job?
A good question to ask as the answer may help you to gauge just how well the interview went and give you some insight as to whether you will be moving forward in the selection process.

While asking appropriate questions is important, there are a few questions you may want to refrain from asking in the first interview!

Sample questions NOT to ask in a first interview:

May I arrive early and leave early as long as I get my hours in?
While work-life balance is a concern, asking this question may cause the interviewer to wonder how committed and conscientious you will be in the role.

Will I be required to work more than 40 hours a week?
Similar to the question above, asking this question gives the interviewer the impression that you may not be a dedicated, team player.

Will I be able to work from home?
More and more companies are open to telecommuting; however, the first interview isn’t the time to be asking for special perks.

How soon could I be considered for a promotion?
This question may cause the interviewer to think you are not at all interested in doing the job that is currently available.  Asking what is potential for growth is a better way to find out about moving up in the company in the future.

Do I get my own office?
When you are a strong contender for the job, you will most likely be given a tour of the location, and that is the time to ask about office arrangements.

Will the computer I use be monitored?
Unless required for the job, you should NEVER be on social networking sites or using a company-provided computer for personal activities. 

When you have researched the company and thoroughly prepared for the question and answer portion of the interview, then you are ready for the interview!

Good luck!

Pam Picard, Recruiting Coordinator