At the end of a job interview, inevitably, you’ll be asked if you have any questions. The “kiss of death” to a good interview closure is when the candidate with whom I’ve spent 30-60 minutes getting to know has zero questions to ask. To the interviewer, this is equivalent to saying that the interview candidate has lost interest in the opportunity. It’s really impactful, however, when the candidate presents questions that help keep the conversation moving forward.
Questions Tell a Lot
The questions that a person asks indicate their curiosity, their intentions, and to a degree, showcase their intelligence. In fact, it’s well understood that the person who asks questions tends to control the conversation. While there are no “dumb” questions (other than those that aren’t asked), I would like to offer 3 excellent questions to ask at the end of an interview.
Question 1
What did the person who was previously in this position do exceptionally well that you’d like to see the new incumbent continue to do? What would you like to see done differently?
This question demonstrates that you care to be successful and it will also likely get the interviewer thinking about what they’re REALLY looking for in the next incumbent.
Question 2
Would you say that this is the best Company you’ve ever worked for or the best job you’ve ever had?
Essentially this is a question of self-reflection. You, as the interview candidate, get to learn from the interviewer what they’ve learned (the hard way) about the company or about the job. It also shows taking an interest in the interviewer as a person, who probably has the responsibility of interviewing a lot of people for the same position. It may help you to “stand out.”
Question 3
What Company value resonates most with you directly, and what is something that the Company is doing that demonstrates this value?
I really like this question, because it’s reinforcing an interest in the job, as well as an interest in the interviewer as well. This shows a level of thought about personal alignment to the Company’s values, and creates a great conversation about the Company.
Questions are like Coffee and Dessert
Questions asked at the conclusion of an interview are similar to having coffee and dessert at the end of a great meal. They turn an interview around, and show that the candidate would like more information to consider the possibilities. Remember, as a candidate, it’s just as much YOUR interview as it is the Company’s. Both parties want to see the best outcome – the candidate is offered a job that fulfills them; and the Company finds a person that will bring value to the position needing to be filled.
Interested in refining your Interviewing Skills?
