You are a candidate for a dream job. The interview is going well but you’re approaching the crucial moment. It’s a « make or break » moment. Soon, the recruiter will reverse roles and ask if you have questions for them.
This portion of the interview can seem meaningless or routine, considering it that it comes up in every interview. Some see it as a courtesy from the recruiter. Don’t be mistaken, for many recruiters, it is the moment of truth!
« When people don’t have questions, my first reaction is surprise, Katharine Ashforth, recruiting consultant, admits in a video from « The Career Playbook » series, devoted specifically to this portion of the interview. »
The consultant fails to believe that a person has no questions to ask on a job they would like to obtain.
« If the candidate has no questions, it makes me ask myself if the person is really interested in the role, she adds. The questions that the candidates ask during this section of an interview speaks to their interest, the opportunity and their preparation for this particular interview than any other aspect of the interview. »
From the general to the specific
Not asking questions is therefore not an option. But what type of questions to ask? The pool of topics to pick from is vast. The consultant suggests 4 lines to pursue :
« When I think about preparing for this particular segment of the interview, I always encourage people to think about questions in four different buckets : 1) think about the broad industry. 2) think about the specific company. 3) specific questions to the role and responsibilities of what you are actually applying for. 4) and sometimes overlooked component of this, is about the person interviewing you. »
We should note that the consultant doesn’t mention anything about the salary, work hours, benefit packages and the company’s other internal components.
In fact, ideally, we want to send the image of an ambitious person that is interested in the company, in the role and in the people in front of them, instead of the image of someone who is counting the advantages of a position.
Kill… three birds… in one stone!
Let’s go back to the fourth category of questions. At the end of the video, the consultant gives a gem of advice which, when properly exploited, gives you the opportunity to look your best for the recruiter.
Often, one of the interviewers has already had the job you are seeking. The consultant therefore suggests for candidates to ask this person for advice on how to succeed in the role.
Thinking about it, it is amazing. With such a question, we kill three birds with one stone :
- We show we’ve done our research;
- We show we’re interested in the role;
- We flatter the interviewer’s ego, who will speak about their own experience.
With a bit of luck, we will receive precious advice to quickly stand out in the position.
Good interview!
