Asking the right questions can pay off in a job interview.
Job interviews are no doubt stressful. And many times, filling out applications, writing cover letters, and tweaking resumes gets to be a bit much.
Landing an interview is the first important step in moving forward in a job search.
For candidates, a series of questions - which are usually scripted - will be asked by the interviewer.
But after it's all over, it's really not. It's your turn to interview the interviewer. Before you even step into an interview, it is critical to do your homework and research the employer and the position as much as possible. This will better prepare you to ask questions during the interview.
Asking questions is important for a few reasons. It shows the interviewer you want more information about the job and the company. You're also assessing if this is the position for you. But just as critical, asking questions shows you are genuinely interested in the position and want to advance to the next step in the hiring process - perhaps a second interview, an offer, and ultimately a job.
Here are some key questions to consider asking, partly taken by jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/i nterviewquest2.htm.
What is an average day or week like?
How many employees are there? How many employees are in the department?
Is there room for creativity in this position?
Are there opportunities for collaboration on projects?
Where does the company see itself in terms of growth in the next 1-3 years? 5-10 years?
What are some of the company's strengths and weaknesses?
How do you measure the company's success?
What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
Would there be work required in the evenings or weekends?
What is the history of this position? Is this a new position and/or how long was the previous employee in this job?
What is your time frame on hiring?
Do you have any questions of me?
Finally, if you the interviewer hasn't done so, request a business card. If it is a phone interview, call or email in advance to request the names and titles of the individuals who will talk to you. This information is important for thank-you letters, which should be sent by each individual who was part of the selection process. This shows you are thorough and appreciate the time they took in speaking to you about the position.
In the end, a job offer will depend on many other factors. But asking key questions will help put you a step ahead of candidates who don't show curiosity and interest about the job or the employer.
