3 Questions You Must Ask on Your Next Interview
Posted September 29th, 2014
It is standard practice for a hiring manager to ask a candidate if they have any questions at the end of a job interview. Many job seekers treat this as a mere formality and either decline the offer, or ask a question they are not especially curious to know the answer to. But if you ask the right question, you can both improve your image in the eye of the recruiter, and glean valuable information you can use if you are offered the job. Here are three questions you should strongly consider asking during your next job interview.
Who Will I Report to and What is Their Background?
It is not always self evident who your direct superior will be, especially if you are working in a company with a flat management structure. But it’s crucial you know who will be monitoring your performance and evaluating your aptitude because that person has a huge influence over your future with the company. It’s also important to learn about that person’s background, especially in technical fields. Ideally, your superior will have a similar skill set to your own, allowing your to work collaboratively, and giving you the confidence that your performance is being judged fairly and accurately.
How Will My Progress and Performance Be Measured?
If you hope to move up in a company, it is crucial that you understand what metrics are being used to measure your progress and performance. Unfortunately, those metrics can be unclear, misleading, or completely unstated. By making a specific and direct inquiry, you gain valuable insights, and also demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are eager to meet and exceed their expectations. This question also helps you to evaluate a company. If they can’t give you a clear indication of how you will be evaluated, you might find that working for them is a frustrating and arbitrary experience.
How Will You Address X Issue?
Every company has a problem that they are trying to resolve or an opportunity that they are trying to seize. Ask your hiring manager what plans they have to address the issue, and you demonstrate that you have researched the company and you are familiar with their present circumstances. That demonstrates initiative and helps position you as a candidate that can make a meaningful contribution starting on day one. Furthermore, it helps you get a feel for the company. If the interviewer can give you a clear and confident answer, it demonstrates that they are actively planning for the future. If they try to avoid or dismiss the question, it betrays an uncertainty that could affect you once you start your job.
If you have an interview coming up and you want to enter the room feeling confident and walk out of it feeling more confident, rely on resources from Bayside Solutions.
