How do you stand out in a job interview and get the job…..let me tell you!
When you go for an interview, not only will you have to answer a load of questions, but you will also get to ask questions.
If you ask the right questions, in the right way then it’s another way to set yourself apart from other candidates and increase your chance of landing the role.
So, today I want to share with you 4 great questions to ask when you go for an interview and I am going to explain to you what makes them so good.
Right so a couple of things you will need before your interview even begins.
Grab a notebook and write down a few things that will be useful to have in the room with you.
Some key words for the role, anything you think will be important to remember.
You should also write down the questions you want to ask….more on that in a minute.
When you get into the interview take the note book out and write the name of the people interviewing you so you can quickly glance at it — using names when talking to people makes us all feel more relaxed, it helps break down barriers and is more personal. So try to use their names throughout the interview.
Also makes notes as you go, if they say something interesting or something you want to come back to then note it down. Taking notes tells them you are paying attention — you care and you are into it.
Now at some point in the interview they will ask you what questions you have — it might be at the end, it might be throughout the interview — whenever it is you will need to be armed with some great questions.
Here are my 4 favourites.
Why do top performers leave?
I think this is the best possible question you can ask at an interview.
By asking this question you are doing a few things.
Firstly you are immediately putting yourself in the “I’m a top performer” box in the minds of the people interviewing you.
Secondly, you are making it clear that you are interested in what you will experience at the company as a top performers.
Thirdly you are giving them something to think about — this isn’t an easy question for them to answer which is a great thing and should impress them.
Only 5 words, but very very effective and a great question to ask.
What are the company goals for this year and the vision for the next 5 years?
This is a great question. It instantly means you are thinking about what success looks like and the long term. Companies love people who are interested in the long term because they typically invest a lot in brining someone into the company, training etc. So by asking about the future you are singing their song.
As for this years goals, this is really about you getting info from them on how well ran the business is. The clearer and more detailed they can answer the better ran the business is. If they don’t know, or start waffling about what the founder might want to do then it’s a red flag for you — remember this is a 2 way street.
What is the best and what is the worst part about Culture at Company?
No company is perfect, they all have pros and cons just like people.
If you are going to work at this company then you want to know what you are getting into.
This question shows them that you care about where you are going to work and you have prepped for the interview. But it tells you if there is anything about this company that stands out as not being right for you.
A final question.
Do you think I am a good fit for this opportunity and is there anything else you want to know from me today to address any concerns about me based on CV, interview etc.
Asking this gives you a good chance to address anything else that might have come up before your chance is over. You want to feel like you’ve left it all out there and done everything you possibly could — so I like this question at the end to really make sure you have done everything you could.
So, hopefully you find those questions useful.
Don’t forget your notebook and good luck.
Go smash it and thanks for reading!
