FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ask questions at the interview
A recruiter for a major company says "I only hire staff that ask questions. I can tell more about the person by the questions they ask than the answers they give."
It is also said that by not asking questions a candidate "shows a peculiar lack of curiosity and comprehension"
If you do not ask questions, an interviewer cannot tell if you are interested in the job, and that may cost you a job offer. Asking the right questions not only ensures a lively discussion, it makes the interview job easier.
The best reason for asking questions is to get the information you need to make an informed decision, should the company make you an offer. Not all questions are created equal and there are some you are better off not asking.
Questions you can ask at an interview
- What will my responsibilities be?
- Why is this position available?
- How will you assess my performance?
- How does this position fit in to the rest of the company?
- Who will I report to and who will report in to me?
- Does your company encourage further study?
- What is your company's further growth plans?
- Where will I be based?
- Will the position entail travel?
- How soon will you decide on the appointment?
- What is the next step? Where do we go from here?
Questions you can expect to be asked:
Q) Tell me about yourself (what the interviewer is really saying: " I want to hear you talking "
Q) What are your strengths? (Straightforward answering is required here, what are you good at and how can you add value to the company?)
Q) What are your weaknesses? (Your self -awareness and self-perception is being questioned here)
Q) What have been your achievements? (What is being asked here is "Are you an achiever?)
Q) What do you like about your present job? (The interviewer is really trying to discover that the job on offer will have aspects of what you enjoy).
Q) What do you dislike about your present job? (Does the job on offer have responsibilities that you will dislike and which will make you unsuitable?)
Q) What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how have you tackled it? (What is "difficult" for you and are you logical in problem solving)
Q) What kind of decision do you find the most difficult to make? (What is being said here is: " I need someone who is strong and decisive and yet has empathy")
Q) Why do you want to leave? (Your motives are being evaluated and the interview is trying to understand your reason for wanting to leave)
