Asking Questions During Interviews - The Route To Success

Sep 13
16:53

2009

Kev Woodward

Kev Woodward

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It is important to sell yourself in an interview. By asking questions that show interest in the employer and the position, you can increase your chance of success.

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The interviewer raised her head from the notes she had just taken during the candidate's previous answer. It was her penultimate question. She asked the final question,Asking Questions During Interviews - The Route To Success Articles hoping to see a spark of enthusiasm and interest "Finally Miss Jones, do you have any questions?" After a short pause, Miss Jones replied "No, I can't think of anything thank you." Interviewer and candidate rose; they shook hands and Miss Jones departed. The Interviewer sat back down and mentally crossed Miss Jones off the list, thinking to herself 'not dynamic enough'.

It is almost certain that at some stage during your interview, probably towards the end, you will be asked if you have any questions you would like to ask. Sometimes an interviewee will decline the offer saying that they have had all the information they need during the interview process. This is not to be advised. If you are given the chance to question the interviewer(s) then take it. If they do not provide the opportunity then take the initiative yourself and ask them if you can ask questions about the post.

What questions should you ask? The most important thing is to demonstrate to the interviewer that you have thought about the nature of the job, the skills it will require and your strengths and abilities to be successful. You should prepare your questions beforehand and even if the interviewer has dealt with the issues during the course of the interview you should ask them to expand on what they have said because you have found it interesting or challenging. Frame your questions so that they show your keenness for the job. Let your questions demonstrate your enthusiasm and capacity for doing well. Give the impression that you already believe that the job is yours and that you want to find out more so that you will be able to settle in faster and start to benefit the company sooner.

It is also reasonable to ask questions relating to pay and conditions, though it is probably wiser to ask these towards the end of the interview. If you ask them early it can make you seem a little mercenary.

The key to making this section of the interview really work for you is to have a range of well devised questions prepared in advance can do much to enhance your chances, but don’t be afraid to improvise if something you had not planned to ask is relevant for you. Always be aware of the opportunity to show an interest in the employer and the job too.

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