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3 Secrets about Asking Questions in Job Interviews – Jobsmaa

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You may have a general understanding of how to ask questions in a job interview, but here are three facts that will surprise you — and help you land an offer.

1. You can increase your chances by asking a smart question before the interview begins.

Try this in your next interview. After you've been seated, and before the interview formally begins, say something like: “Before we get started, do you mind if I ask you a quick question?” If the interviewer says yes, ask one of these two questions:

  • “What is your top priority for this role? Which is more important?” Or,
  • “I really appreciate the opportunity to interview you. May I ask what my background was that led to the invitation?”

Knowing the answer to any of these questions will help you focus your comments for the rest of the interview on what really matters to the employer. First the interviewer's pain points, they are likely to provide information about the problems you need to solve. The second question has the added benefit of reminding the interviewer of what they already liked about you. Choose the question that best suits your situation; Asking for both would be too much.

Be prepared to respond intelligently to their responses. Keep your answer brief so that the interviewer can get to their planned agenda.

2. You don't have enough questions to ask at the end of the interview.

As an interview coach, I find that most of my clients come up with five questions at the end of the interview. This may be enough, but by the end of the interview, the interviewer may have already discussed these topics and answered your questions. You will say nothing but “You have already answered my questions; I can't think of anything else” This will give the impression that you are not thinking too much about the work and are not seriously interested.

Come up with a written list of questions about 10 good questions, numbered in order of priority. For examples of good questions, see my posts on questions to ask…

3. You don't have to wait until the end.

There are many situations where asking a question in the middle of an interview can be very effective.

Clarifying the question you don't understand:

  • “Just to make sure my answer is completely relevant, I'm wondering if you're more interested in X or Y?”

You can provide a better answer by getting background information:

  • “I'd like to answer that. Before I do, may I ask you…”

Relating your answer to their organization:

  • “So, that's what I did at Green Co. Can you see it working well for you?”

Finding out how you got your answer:

  • “Is that what you were looking for?”

At the end of the short answer, to provide more details:

  • “So, that's a mile-high scene. Would you like me to expand on any part of it?”

(That's what I call it expandable response, A great technique to make your answers more concise!)

How to ask questions in a job interview gives you many advantages.

Skillful use of questions not only helps in providing better answers. This gives the interviewer a natural flow of conversation, which is less stressful and more enjoyable for both parties. This helps you and the interviewer build rapport, which is important. And it demonstrates good communication skills that are important in any type of job. Practice these techniques and prepare for a new level of interview success. (This post was originally published in 2019 and has since been updated.)

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