Although it’s nothing new, I’ve been extremely bothered lately by the quality of questions candidates ask during the interview process. Most often, their questions indicate the lack of research conducted prior to speaking with me–a surefire way to entice me to make the offer to another candidate.
An interview is a two-way street–you’re evaluating me and my company just like I’m evaluating you. If you don’t ask thoughtful questions, how are you supposed to accomplish this goal?
A few tips to get you thinking:
- If you can find it on the Internet, you shouldn’t be asking it. Regardless of whether the position is an unpaid internship or salaried entry-level job, you need to do your homework. I have high expectations of candidates, and so do other hiring managers. Please don’t ask me something you can easily find on your own.
- Don’t ask about the typical day. I just hate these questions. First of all, very few positions have a “typical” day. Second, did you read the job description that included the responsibilities? While there will certainly be “other duties as assigned,” most of your tasks will come from that list. This is a wasted question!
- Culture rules. As a hiring manager, I need to find a candidate who fits well with my organization’s culture. As a candidate, you should be seeking the same thing. So, ask me how I would describe our culture in three words, how employees typically interact with each other and their supervisors, etc. Show a strong interest in cultural fit.
- Micro-manager or hands-off? You’ve already asked about the organization’s culture, but what about my management style? Your relationship to your supervisor is an important one, so don’t forget to ask how you will interact on a regular basis.
- Think about the future. What are my organization’s plans for the future as a whole or specific to a certain product/service? A question like this serves several purposes. First, it gives you a glimpse into where our organization is headed. Second, it lets me know you’re thinking long-term–always a good thing!
What other questions do you recommend asking (or not asking) during the interview process and why?
