Stand out to in your next interview
July 6, 2015
If you’ve been on the job search for a while you’ve probably done your research on questions to ask at an interview. What are the benefits? What is the schedule? Compensation? These are all typically points of information most candidates eventually ask but what about the question you don’t ask? The questions that set you apart from other applicants and help you connect with your interviewer. Here are 3 questions that you should ask if you want to make an impression.
What is your favorite part of working for the company?
This question does two things. It lets you know how actual employees feel about the company and it allows you to connect with your interviewer. People love to feel like their opinion is valued. By making them feel valued you induce positive emotions in them, positive emotions they will subconsciously relate to you as a candidate later.
Will I be working with a team or independently?
This is a great question because you are inserting yourself into the position in the interviewer’s eyes, even if they don’t realize it. This also gives you more of an idea of how you may be managed. If you work better alone this question may let you know this isn’t the right position for you.
Can you tell me about the person who previously (or currently) holds this position? What new practices did they bring to the role?
This isn’t asking the interviewer to bash or gossip about the person instead it’s giving you more insight into the company and what will be expected of you and what opportunities are there. Did the person get a promotion, did they leave. Even without directly saying, the way the interviewer responds to certain questions will let you know if it was a positive or negative experience.
What are some non-traditional questions you like to ask when at an interview?