Applicants should prepare questions to ask during interview, follow interviewer’s cues
D ear Sam: What is the appropriate way to end an interview? If a hiring manager asks me if I have any questions, does it look like I didn’t do my research if I ask questions about the company? I’ve also been told not to talk about salary, so what type of questions are OK to ask? — Tessa D ear Tessa: Most job interviews end with the interviewer asking, “Do you have any questions for me?” Your interviewer expects you to have some questions prepared. If you respond, “No, I think you’ve covered everything,” you risk being seen as unprepared or disinterested. You also miss out on the opportunity to ask questions that can help you determine if the company is a good fit for you. Asking strategic questions will allow you to impress your potential employer with your knowledge and interest in the company and the industry, while also allowing you to gain insight into the company’s culture.
You are correct that you should avoid discussing salary in an interview. The first interview is not the place to ask about sick time, vacation days or flexible work arrangements, either. In general, avoid questions that focus on what the company can do for you. Instead, keep the focus on how you can add value to the company: ➤ What can I clarify for you about my qualifications? ➤ Are there any other questions I can answer for you? ➤ What would you say are the biggest challenges of this job? ➤ What’s the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 90 days?
The responses to these questions will allow you to further expand on your experience and abilities, therefore solidifying why you are the best candidate for the job.
Additional topics you could cover in the first round include job content and the company’s culture and future: ➤ How would you describe the responsibilities of the position? ➤ How would you describe a typical day and week in this position? ➤ Can you tell me about the company’s management style? ➤ How would you describe the values of this company? ➤ What are the biggest rewards of the job and working for this company?
An interview is a two-way street. While you are “selling” yourself to the employer, you also want to be sure the company’s culture aligns with your personal values.
Salary and benefits are important factors in determining if a company is a good fit for you, but these questions are best left for later in the process (preferably once you are offered the position). Often the human resources department will provide you with a brochure or information packet, which you can use to assess the offer.
Here are some questions you could — but don’t have to — ask in the first rounds of interviewing: ➤ What qualities are you seeking in candidates for this job? ➤ How many people work in this office/ department? ➤ What are the company’s plans for growth and development? ➤ What type of background do you feel would be best suited for success in this position? ➤ Can you tell me about the next step in the hiring process? ➤ When will you make your selection?
There’s no need to ask every question presented in these lists. Have five or six questions written down, and pay attention to the interviewer’s cues to determine how much time you should spend asking questions before wrapping up the interview. You can always follow up with additional questions at a later time.
Questions NOT to ask in the first rounds of interviewing include the following: ➤ What does this company do? (You should already know this!) ➤ When can I expect a raise? ➤ When can I take time off? ➤ Can I work from home? — Samantha Nolan is a certified professional resume writer and the owner of Nolan Branding, a full-service resume-writing firm. Email resume or job-search questions to dearsam@nolanbranding.com. To find out more about Nolan and her services, visit www.nolanbranding.com, or call 614-570-3442 or 888-952-3928.