Interviewing
The 6 Questions That Will Wow Them in Your Next Interview
You’ve made it to the homestretch of your interview. The hard part’s over – they grilled you on your experience, challenged you with hypothetical scenarios, and thoroughly assessed your industry knowledge. But before you wrapped things up, the interviewer posed one final question: “Do you have any other questions for me?”
This is your opportunity to prove you’re not just another run-of-the-mill candidate. With a few strategic questions, you can demonstrate to the hiring manager that you’re a highly engaged professional who has done their homework on the company. More importantly, it’s your chance to uncover key insights that will allow you to reaffirm your fit for the role.
Asking the right questions at the end of an interview can make you a truly memorable candidate. Here are 6 questions to consider asking that are sure to make you stand out:
1. How would you define success in this role? What accomplishments would indicate to you that you made the right hiring choice?
This two-parter allows the interviewer to outline their top expectations and goals for the position. Listen closely to pinpoint the core responsibilities and skills required for high achievement. You can then directly connect how your background and expertise will enable you to be triumphant in the role based on their own definition of success.
2. What are the most important issues or challenges this team is facing at the moment?
With this insightful question, you demonstrate a genuine interest in making an impact at the company from day one. The interviewer’s response will reveal key initiatives, struggles, or roadblocks the team is currently navigating. You can seize this opportunity to briefly discuss your applicable experience or proposed strategies for tackling those very issues.
3. Can you illustrate what a typical day or week would look like in this position?
While you have the job description for an overview, this allows you to get an authentic behind-the-scenes peek into the daily realities and workflow of the role. Make note of specific duties or responsibilities that especially excite you. You can articulate your enthusiasm for those very tasks and your proven ability to thrive when taking on those kinds of projects.
4. How does this particular role fit into the company’s larger organizational structure and overarching objectives?
Asking about the bigger picture demonstrates your ability to think strategically and holistically. The interviewer’s reply will clarify how your role contributes to and impacts other divisions, teams, and importantly, the bottom line company goals. You can connect how your involvement and strengths will support those companywide directives.
5. What is your onboarding process like for successful new hires?
This practical question shows your eagerness to ramp up quickly and make a positive impact right away. You’ll learn what trainings, tools, and systems you may need to prioritize mastering from the start. You can speak to your ability to be an enthusiastic learner and get productive fast.
6. Is there any other feedback or clarification you need from me? Do you have any other concerns about my qualifications?
Directly addressing any potential gaps or concerns is a bold move that few candidates take. This question allows you to squash any reservations and reinforce your standout credentials one final time before ending your interview. With the interviewer’s honesty in response, you can turn weaknesses into strengths.
With these six powerful questions, you’ll leave an exceptional lasting impression of being an exceptional, well-prepared candidate genuinely invested in the role. You’ll show the hiring team that you have the right mindset, skills, and motivation to be successful at their company.
Related: The Interview Questions You Should Be Asking To Uncover A Toxic Workplace
Chris Kidd is the owner of StyleCareers.com, StylePortfolios.com, StyleDispatch.com, FashionCareerFairs.com and FashionRetailCareers.com.
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