There’s a lot that goes into a successful job interview. The way you respond to an interviewer’s questions is obviously important. But what’s sometimes overlooked is the questions that you ask.
Forbes points out, “World-class interviewers pay just as much attention to the questions they’re asked as to the answers they’re given, because smart questions reveal a lot about the candidate’s level of interest and ability to do the job.” Here are some tips to effectively prepare to interview your interviewer and thoroughly learn about the position and company.
Do Your Research
Your first task is to gather as much information as possible about your prospective employer. Doing so will help you come up with questions that show you’re informed and should prevent you from asking run of the mill questions that everyone asks.
The Balance suggests checking out the company’s website, their LinkedIn profile, other social media profiles as well as performing a thorough Google search. Once you have this information, you could use it to build intelligent questions. For instance, you might say something like, “I read your mission is to [blank], how does this factor into your overall company culture?”
Base Your Questions on Genuine Interest
Ideally, you’ll ask questions that unearth relevant information and at the same time tell your interviewer a little more about you. For example, “What type of equipment would I be using each day? I’m highly experienced using [blank] equipment and really like the features.”
This accomplishes two things. First, it shows you’re genuinely interested in getting hired. Second, it subtly tells an interviewer you’re experienced in certain areas, which should improve your chances of ultimately getting hired.
Go Deep
To further convey your interest and distinguish yourself from other applicants, you’ll want to find information that isn’t available to the general public. This could include the following:
- What soft skills a company is looking for (e.g., interpersonal skills, teamwork, etc.)
- What type of training is involved
- How performance is evaluated
- Opportunities for professional development
- What the culture is like
It’s just as important to “interview your interviewer” when seeking a job. Going beyond superficial questions and showing careful thought and consideration should help you impress your recruiter and stand out from the competition.
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