Congrats. You’ve made it this far.
Your networking, company research, and targeted resume all paid off and here you sit, in the interviewee’s seat for a killer role that you really want. So far, the interview has gone well. Your story is tight, you nailed difficult questions for which you prepared, and you’ve articulated why you’re a perfect fit. Yet, with a few minutes remaining, a final test awaits.
Time to switch roles with your interviewer as she wraps up with one simple ask: Do you have any questions?
Now your questions, not answers, will provide clues about how you’ll perform as an employee.
Both you and your interviewer know that job success isn’t created from a list of rehearsed answers. On a daily basis, you must figure out how to drive results with uncertain and incomplete information. Asking strategic questions is the first step. So, this, too, is now your task.
Below is a list of 13 questions, organized in five key areas, which will help you and your interviewer gather information and assess any outstanding concerns. One caveat: be selective. You should aim to ask at least one — not all — of the questions in each area:
When you prepped for the interview, you researched everything you could about the company. This should have included tracking important business developments – e.g. a new product launch, acquisition, market entry – from niche data sources like an industry news source or company annual report. Ask a question that demonstrates that you’re serious about data and connect the dots:
Show that you can step away from day-to-day management tasks to deliver priorities aligned with the company’s future. Frame a question that shows your strategic thinking:
Starting day 1, you must know what “success” looks like. Confirm exactly what is expected of you. Ask a question that gives your boss confidence that you will deliver results:
Your boss needs to count on and also trust you. If you haven’t figured out your interviewer’s personality and what’s most important to her, you won’t ace your interview. Pause from work-related questions and probe into what makes your boss tick:
Your final goal is to reduce any uncertainty that you or your interviewer may have about your candidacy. Seal the deal by addressing doubts head-on:
Hopefully, next steps will lead to an offer. If you inquire with confidence, you stand a good chance of impressing your interviewer. No question about it.
Susan Margolin writes and conducts research for corporate clients. Previously, she worked in marketing and business development for more than a decade in Asia. She holds degrees from Harvard (BA, MPA) and Northwestern University (MBA).
This article was written by a FGB Contributor.
© 2022 Fairygodboss
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