I always have questions ready to ask at the end of the interview but I was surprised the opportunity wasn't offered after their panel questions.

6 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 8:12AM UTC

   I think what really is going to help in these scenario types are hearing the HR's feedback and if you got the job. For suggestions (just because it's me), I wouldn't have asked them questions unless the conversation was natural and easyflowing and even better if the recruiter was very nice. Inputting questions really help when the interview turns into a conversation.

   Little note here: don't ask too many questions. I start off by asking 2 questions but ask up to 4 depending if they ask if I have anymore questions. For other recommendations let them do most of the talking. I hope this helps.

2. AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 2:45PM UTC

   Thank you and it was for a panel second round interview. Rather than a conversation, it was a round table of the department heads asking me questions for a half hour. At the end, I had a few questions ready but I looked down and our time was up and it didn't feel natural to jump in and ask if they had time for questions when clearly the booked time was concluding. I appreciated your feedback as I wondered by not asking questions, it appeared I wasn't interested in the role.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 29,2022 at 2:03AM UTC

   You shouldn't have been put in the position to have to make that decision.
   They should have built time for you to ask questions into the interview schedule.

   I had a similar interview experience not too long ago. The recruiter fired questions at me for 30 minutes and never asked if I had any questions. That sealed the deal. Based on her unprofessional behavior, I knew I did not want to work there.

   I'm not sure how you're supposed to make an informed decision unless you get all your questions answered. If they make you an offer and you're considering accepting it, I would schedule an additional call with the recruiter or the hiring manager and get whatever answers you need.

   There are people on this site - literally every single day - posting "I accepted this new position and X is happening and I didn't find that out during the interview process".

   Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!

4. KatieJuly 29,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

   In my experience, that is a sign that they had already decided you weren't a fit for the job. If they were considering you they would have asked if you had any questions about the position.

   I had a boss that had telltale signs when he felt an interview was over. If he liked a candidate he would ask the candidate if they had any questions about the company or position and continue on with conversation and information. If not, he would thank them for their time and let them know when they should expect to hear from us.

5. AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 3:58PM UTC

   Thank you, Katie. Is that true for panel interviews as well? That was my first one and they took turns firing questions at me and then said that's all the questions they had. They were using that interview to narrow down candidates. I appreciate you letting me know. Time to move on to other interviews.

6. KatieAugust 4,2022 at 6:23PM UTC

   We always have four in our interviews, two asking the standard questions with the understanding that anyone can ask follow up questions if appropriate. We outline this at the beginning of each interview. I have been asked to sit on interview panels with other agencies and they have been run very similarly.

   I do find it unprofessional that no one would follow up with you letting you know if you were moving on in the process, or not.

   Good luck in your search!