It’s 2018, and my journey in talent acquisition is just getting started.

Six years of working closely with internal and external clients, and a lot of hiring managers. Six years of coaching candidates for their interview rounds after our initial chat.

One thing I always tell them: ask questions! 

Why Not Asking Questions Greatly Reduces Your Chances of Reaching the Next Interview. 

‘’It went well, but I don’t think they are that interested or a fit, they didn’t ask any questions’’.

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard this exact phrase from a hiring manager.

I always challenge their reasoning and offer other perspectives on why the candidate may not have asked.

The truth remains: No matter the reason, not asking questions will leave an impression that you aren’t interested in the job, and at worst disqualify you. And we can’t have that! 

Great questions hold the power to convince interviewers that you are what they’ve been searching for! 

Asking questions shows your interest and your enthusiasm to be part of the process and to join the organization. 

Interviews are a lot like dating. You wouldn’t go to a date, and spend the whole time simply answering questions without throwing one or two back to get to know the other person.

(Spoiler alert: if you don’t, that might be why you’re also not moving forward in your dating life.)

People like to talk about themselves and what they do. And they like to know the person they are speaking with is interested in what they do and believe in. Asking a range of interview questions from ”How’s the day-to-day like in this role” to ”What do you personally enjoy working at X company” will make your interviewer feel special. 

It reinforces that you are indeed interested in the position and team and that you are looking forward to being an actor in the growth of the company.

Interviews are a two-way street. You are getting to know them as well, and making sure it is the right environment for you.

No one wants to work for an organization that doesn’t align with their values, doesn’t respect their employees and where they won’t learn and grow. 

Asking questions is your ticket to understanding what might be happening internally. What’s the culture like, is collaboration encouraged, are employees’ opinions valued, do they invest in continuous learning, etc.

Think about what matters to you. What makes you fulfilled and happy in a role, within a team, in a company, and ask questions that will help you validate that you will find these in this role.

 

Questions Are a Great Time to highlight last-minute reasons why you are the right person for the role!

Maybe you’re getting to the end of the interview and feeling like you haven’t truly showcased what makes you the best candidate.

Questions are the perfect time to add a few last wow moments from your experience.

A great way to do this is to ask about the challenges the team faces, the technology they are currently using/switching to or day-to-day. Let the interviews answer, and then jump right back on the topic highlighting how you’ve faced and solved a similar challenge, or have worked with that technology in the past.

By doing so, you’ve clearly articulated how you can help solve their exact problem and why you will be amazing in the role.