Most interview preparation books are filled with sample questions that you’ll have to answer during an interview. While it’s certainly important to know how to answer tough interview questions, it’s equally important to know how to ASK questions in an interview.

Most interview preparation books are filled with sample questions that you’ll have to answer during an interview. While it’s certainly important to know how to answer tough interview questions, it’s equally important to know how to ASK questions in an interview. There are three good reasons to be prepared to ask great questions during interviews.

• To uncover the interviewer’s hiring motives.
• To demonstrate your interest and intelligence.
• To uncover any unspoken concerns or “red flags.”

Let’s look at each of these points:

A big mistake candidates make going into a job interview is to assume that they know the hiring motives of the interviewer based solely on the job description. But the reality is that each person within an organization will have a slightly different idea of the perfect person for the job.

It’s up to you to find out the hiring motives of each person you interview within any one organization. Ask a simple question and you’ll know what your interviewer is looking for. Such as:

• What do you see as the most significant challenges for this position?
• What qualities do you look for to fill this position?

Then just listen closely. He/She will tell you just what you need to know in order to tailor your answers to his/her desires.

Nothing works better than a well thought out question to convince your interviewer of the sincerity and interest. Additionally, a good question is the simplest, yet most effective way of impressing them with your intelligence.

The main thing is that you want your question(s) to be specific to the organization you are interviewing with. Avoid generic questions such as “Where do you see your company going in five years?” The interviewer is going to realize you just asked the last five companies that same question. A more targeted and specific question will win you points in the interview, and may tip the scale in your favor when they’re discussing which candidate to hire.

Before you walk out of your interview, find out any concerns that may eliminate you as a candidate. This is your best chance to defend your candidacy. This is also your second chance to undo an interview error, or provide vital information. Ask a question something like:

“What concerns do you have that would prevent you from calling me back for the next interview?”

Spoken concerns can be answered with new information on how you’ve overcome challenges, learned new skills, or adjusted to new industries quickly. Remember, if you don’t ask, they will not tell you, and you’ll always wonder why they didn’t call you back.

When it comes to interviews, there is no such thing as over preparation. A resume will get your foot in the door, but the interview will seal the deal. Make sure you’re ready to win the job by asking the right interview questions.

Deborah Walker is a Certified Career Management Coach. She can
be reached at Deb@Alphaadvantage.com

Read more career tips and see sample resumes at: www.AlphaAdvantage.com