So You've Got an Interview: Arm Yourself with Intelligent Questions

Congratulations! You've risen above the sea of jobseekers and have been invited to an interview. But if you think that it's going to be easy from here, think again.

The interview is your opportunity to either stand out and make it to the next level - or completely blow it and have your resume end up in the great pile of "no's." It's a mistake to believe that an interviewer is expecting you to just sit there and nod politely at the information given. So what should you do?

You need to communicate with the interviewer and demonstrate an interest in the position and the organization. You also need to make an honest decision about whether or not you would be satisfied spending 40 hours a week at the job. Of course, you've already done exhaustive online research about the company, asked people what they know about it, and maybe even requested an annual report from the investor relations department. However, most public information does not equal inside scoop - and that's what you want to obtain on your first interview. Then you can decide whether or not to proceed with the company.

One way to get inside scoop is to ask probing questions at the interview. Keep in mind that when you are asked by the interviewer, "Do you have any questions?", one sure fire way to get crossed off the list is to say, "No." And contrary to popular belief, it is not appropriate for the job candidate to ask questions relating to salary or benefits during the first interview, unless initiated by the interviewer. Bring these topics up only when there is discussion of an offer being extended.

Prepare yourself for your interview with a sampling of questions whose answers should provide you with a reasonable glimpse into the company's culture:

1. What made you decide to work here? Ask the interviewer what he or she likes best about working with the company.
2. What will be the first project that the person in this role will be given?
3. It's 5:00PM on the Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend. Are people happy and wrapping up work for the weekend or are they disappointed that they will be working another two hours?
4. How often will the person in this role receive feedback about their work-related performance?
5. What metrics will be used to determine the performance of the person in this position?
6. Is this a new position that was created due to growth or did someone leave the position?
   a. If someone left the position, ask why and ask if they stayed with the company. Note if interviewer is uncomfortable answering this question.
   b. If it's a new role, ask what the anticipated career path will be.
7. What is the average tenure for people working in this group/for this organization?
8. What is the best part about this position and what is the most difficult part?
9. If I were considering a similar position with your biggest competitor (note: be sure you know who that is and use their name here), what would you say to entice me to select your opportunity?
10. What are the top three qualities that will make someone a success in this position?
11. What would be the main reason that someone would not be a success in this position?
12. What do you see as the most immediate professional challenge for the person who is selected for this position?
13. In what way does this role contribute directly to making the organization's vision or mission a reality?
14. What can you tell me about your organizational culture?
15. What areas of my professional history do you think will provide the best background for this position? What do you see as potential weaknesses in my professional background as they relate to this position?

Asking two or three of these open-ended questions can open up an informative dialogue between you and your interviewer - and will set you apart from the other job candidates.

Other tips:

• If you are nervous, take a deep breath - and smile!
• If the interviewer asks you a question that catches you "off guard", say, "That's a good question. Let me think about it." Respond with a related question if possible.
• It's OK to tell the interviewer you are feeling nervous. Say, "I am really excited about this position and it's important to me to do a good job at this interview. I'm sure you can understand that I am a little bit nervous." And smile!
• At the conclusion of your interview, ask the interviewer what the next step in the process will be (if they have not already explained it)
• At the conclusion of your interview, ask the interview if they have any additional questions for you
• THANK the interview for his/her time!

What to take to your interview:

• Your list of questions so you don't forget to ask them
• A fact sheet about the company so that if the interviewer refers to something, you will have a ready reference point
• A copy of your resume and cover letter that you sent to the company
• A copy of the job description, if one exists
• A notepad to take short, handwritten notes. Be courteous - ask the interviewer it it's OK for you to take notes
• If you have difficulty writing because of mobility limitations, but can use a laptop (be sure the battery is fully charged) or similar hand-held device, then bring it along and ask the interview if it's OK to take notes

If you would like additional help, please feel free to call us and request an Interview Coaching Session.