So you worked tirelessly to get an interview with a terrific company - what's next?
Ask Questions - It’s important to listen carefully and thoroughly answer questions in an interview. However, it’s also important to ask your interviewer questions. Engaging with the hiring manager demonstrates you’ve researched the company, care about its organizational goals and want to know how your prospective position fits into the puzzle. Work from the big picture to the smaller picture with these sure-to-win sample questions:
-
Strategic - Based on my research, your company holds X% of the market share. What is the company’s strategic plan and vision for its future growth?
- Departmentalize - What role does the department play in achieving the company’s strategic goal?
- The Problem - What is the candidate trait or obstacle you’ve faced while trying to find someone for this position?
- Get Them to Like You - Can you tell me a little bit about your background and what has made you successful at this company?
- The Solution - [Remember their answer from “THE PROBLEM”] Find something in your background or skill set that demonstrates you are a part of the solution, instead of the problem.
- The Closer - Based on our conversation here today, is there anything that makes you hesitant to hire me? If so, I would love the opportunity to discuss it.
Follow Up - A brief note thanking someone for their time and mentioning your enthusiasm for the job speaks volumes about the honesty of your interview. The hiring manager will see that they spoke with the real you and not a staged or rehearsed version. Also, make sure to hand write it; handwritten notes make the message more personal.