Question From A Candidate

swanvill

Hi,

I would like your opinion on whether it would be wise or foolish to ask the following question off the interview?

'Are there reservations you have about my fit for the position?'

Thanks.

'Are there reservations you have about my fit for the position?'

This is what the interview is for, to ask you questions to alleviate any concerns they have about your fit for the role. There's no point in asking that question. If anything, they might think you're unsure of your abilities and it might make them stop and think.

Don't ask that question!

swanvill

Thanks for your reply & advice, you are right. A friend also pointed out the question will put the interviewer on the spot as well.

smcgiff

Well, you can ask this question at the end...

Do you have any concerns about my being able to do this role?


The reason this would be asked is that it would prompt interviewers to raise any reservations they might have. It might give you an opportunity to reassure them.

So, this type of question may have its uses.

Irish_Elect_Eng

This is a very valuable question, but you have to be skilled at interviewing to use it wisely and only when required.

Most interviews that I have done myself I have been stretching my capabilities and applying for "promotion" or "new field" jobs" where my experience or qualifications have only partially met the needs of the position. I am very good at showing how my past experience can meet the needs of a new position.

But....

You can never really tell if you have covered all the bases to the satisfaction of the interviewer or Hiring Manager. Sometimes you feel that while the interview has gone well you have not quite succeeded in hooking the interest/commitment of the interviewer.

"There is no point in leaving the interview with out knowing where the interviewer feels that you are falling short!"

So.... If you feel that a PFO is on the cards...you need to do something to save the interview.

But, rather than just say ""Do you have any concerns about my being able to do this role?" I would phrase it at follows.

"Thank you for the interview, I feel that it went very well, after our discussion I understand what you need from a candidate to be successful in the role and I feel that I have the skills and enthusiasm to be successful in the role , which is in alignment with my career goals."

" I hope that I answered all your questions to your satisfaction < pause briefly to gauge reaction>

"and that I have successfully communicated that I have the best skill-set for the role" < pause briefly to gauge reaction>

"but if you have any concerns about my suitability for the role I would appreciate the opportunity to address them now before the end of our interview today." < shop, use silence to get reaction>

Interviewers will normally, then either:
(1) Say that they have no concerns, which is a great statement with which to end an interview,
(2) Or they will bring up an issue that may be on their minds, which is great as you can then get a second chance to address an issue that may have lost you the job.

But this is not a question for every type of interview and you MUST be prepared to positively address the issues that could be raised.
Addressing the issue poorly will just make it worse :-)

Mr. Loverman

I don't think you should ask this question as it will make the employer think about all your negative points.

I can't see anything positive coming out of it.