Good questions to ask an interviewer

Naggins

What would people consider to be good and appropriate questions to ask interviewers in an interview when they ask you if you have any questions ...

RedXIV

Naggins wrote: »

What would people consider to be good and appropriate questions for interviewers in an interview when they ask you if you've questions ...

Ask about the workplace, about the team you'll work with, basically find out as much as you can about what your job would entail.

Kinet1c

If it's someone on the team you'll be working with:

1. what attracted you to join the company?
2. what has kept you there? (only relevant if there longer than 3+ years)

Hunchback

I'm hoping to secure some internship interviews in the very near future and one of the questions I intend on asking (at least with the smaller firms) is why exactly they are looking for interns - is it with a view to selecting future permanent employees from this pool. Then if the answer to that is yes I would (politely) inquire as to how many employees were sourced this way in previous years, if they haven't already told me.

But your situation probably refers to a job rather than an internship, yes?

padjo5

Ask about team structure perhaps. Can be a good idea to ask why the vacancy arose, did people leave (possible issues) or business demands.

Hunchback

Actually, on reading that back, maybe it would come across the wrong way, as in like suspicious , or equating with job-bridge or something.

Possibly best to ignore my advice - I know it would be the right thing for me to ask, purely because I would be curious, but it might not be the right thing for somebody else to ask

Naggins

CKonetheonlyone wrote: »

I'm hoping to secure some internship interviews in the very near future and one of the questions I intend on asking (at least with the smaller firms) is why exactly they are looking for interns - is it with a view to selecting future permanent employees from this pool. Then if the answer to that is yes I would (politely) inquire as to how many employees were sourced this way in previous years, if they haven't already told me.

But your situation probably refers to a job rather than an internship, yes?

Yep, it applies for a job.

phog

If you haven't got questions don't waste the opportunity to reinforce that you are the right person for the job, that you want it and can deliver for the company.

smcgiff

"What will I have done in six months time that you would consider I have been a success at this job." This gets the employer associating you with success.

"Is there any reason you don't think I could do this job?" This gets the employer to confirm you as a viable contender or highlights your weak points which you will at least get a chance to counter.

Bongalongherb

Never say anything like that regarding jobBridge or anything about your previous company/business because they don't want to hear what you have done with a different company/business.

Study the company/business on google and when the interviewer asks you 'have you any questions', just tell them that you always admired their company and always wanted to work for them, but also find and pick out something good regarding their company and use that to your advantage as a question or two. Just study as much as you can on their business and pick out important stuff from it and the interviewer might be impressed with you as you know something about them.

It's good to know/study as much as possible regarding their business because it will show that you have interest regarding them.

Don't forget, you are selling yourself, so sell yourself better than the next person.

smcgiff

Bongalongherb wrote: »

Never say anything like that regarding jobBridge or anything about your previous company/business because they don't want to hear what you have done with a different company/business.

Study the company/business on google and when the interviewer asks you 'have you any questions', just tell them that you always admired their company and always wanted to work for them, but also find and pick out something good regarding their company and use that to your advantage as a question or two. Just study as much as you can on their business and pick out important stuff from it and the interviewer might be impressed with you as you know something about them.

It's good to know/study as much as possible regarding their business because it will show that you have interest regarding them.

Don't forget, you are selling yourself, so sell yourself better than the next person.

Most interviews open with or include the question... 'tell me what you know about our company' which will use up that info.

Diziet

I would steer away from questions about them having any concerns, etc. I know some books advise that, but I have seen it backfire, and it sounds negative. Instead, ask about the team's immediate priorities, what would be the first project you would work on if you got the position, etc. Something that places you in that role is positive and gives you the opportunity to get more information.

defrule

I find it's always nice to finish with a light hearted chat. An open question following it up and probing it deeper to promote a nice talk.

Naggins

Thanks guys for the advice. I never know what to say when they ask do you have any questions!

D Trent

What is the best thing to say when an interviewer asks you 'what are your weaknesses'?
What is a good reply to that

Eoin

Some good advice here - and I can't emphasise enough that people should read up on the company. I've had candidates who haven't bothered going to a link I gave them during the phone screen (they should have already done it at that stage), which annoys me.

Some people say you should ask about career progression - which can be OK, but at the same time you don't want to give the impression that this is a stepping stone. Of course it normally is, but an employer wants to think you're interested in the role you're applying for, not the one after that. I had a candidate ask me how long before he could expect a promotion during the phone screen, which seemed a bit premature. Just be careful with your wording.

If you do enough reading up on the company, you can ask how they approached a certain scenario (maybe they closed a big deal / released a product / expanded their business etc). Try and pick something that you can talk about, and link it back to something you've done that's related.

D Trent wrote: »

What is the best thing to say when an interviewer asks you 'what are your weaknesses'?
What is a good reply to that

Don't say "I work too hard" anyway. That's more cringey than the question itself. This may not be a good tactic either.

If I am asked that question (I haven't been in ages), I pick a skill that I am weak on, rather than a character trait. Something not essential to the role, but may be a gap that they've already identified. And then go on to say that it's something I'm very keen to learn.

If they do push you for a character trait, have something that used to be a problem but you've taken steps to correct. And give an example of how you did that.

wonski

D Trent wrote: »

What is the best thing to say when an interviewer asks you 'what are your weaknesses'?
What is a good reply to that

Here is a good reply;)

There is no good answer to that tricky question, I always improvised.
It also depends on what job you applied for.

Try to make sure you point out all your strenghts and this shouldn't be a problem.

If, however, you are doing some extra course at the moment you can mention that you are doing it to improve your knowledge / skills of specific topic that you felt you weren't fully qualified or confident in.

skallywag

D Trent wrote: »

What is the best thing to say when an interviewer asks you 'what are your weaknesses'?
What is a good reply to that

That's an interesting one.

I've interviewed many people myself and have never asked this question, and don't think I ever will. In my opinion asking this question points towards an interviewer who is either lazy, incompetent or frankly just an @sshole. Asking about strengths is naturally logical, but asking a candidate to talk about his/her weaknesses in an interview environment is just meaningless, as you are not going to get an honest answer anyway.

In the case you are actually asked this, I would tend to bat it off in some type of humorous manner. I know some people are tempted to go down the 'I work too hard' road, but this is so obviously disingenuous.

Naggins

If asked what my current salary is how can I avoid answering without being rude.

Eoin

I try and answer as if they'd asked what my expectations were e.g. "I'd be looking for around the xyz mark".

Naggins

Eoin wrote: »

I try and answer as if they'd asked what my expectations were e.g. "I'd be looking for around the xyz mark".

Thanks I'm currently working unpaid and don't want them to value me less because of that.

Eoin

Hugh Too wrote: »

That's a poor question to ask

I don't think so. I ask if it's a new role, or a backfill.

skallywag

Eoin wrote: »

I don't think so. I ask if it's a new role, or a backfill.

I would tend to agree. Any questions that you ask which look to seek out more information about the role itself are a positive.

Gael23

As for questions I sometimes ask how many people are being hired and when can I expect to hear back. I have a medical condition that has been an issue for some roles that I applied for so I might ask for clarity in that regard.

Someone made an interesting paint about not mentioning your previous job. As a recent grad I often do talk about my internship in order to give examples of teamwork, notable achievements etc.

And on weaknesses, just this week that came up in an interview and I said when I began college and teamwork was new to me I was in a situation where someone wasn't pulling their weight so in order to get the work done on time and avoid being penalised for handing it up late, I did their piece of the work rather than confront the issue but I added how I learnt form that experience.
Probably not the best answer but all I could think of on the spot.

Eoin

Bongalongherb wrote: »

Never say anything like that regarding jobBridge or anything about your previous company/business because they don't want to hear what you have done with a different company/business.

Not sure I follow you there - what you've done before is most likely quite important to the new company?

ryanf1 wrote: »

And on weaknesses, just this week that came up in an interview and I said when I began college and teamwork was new to me I was in a situation where someone wasn't pulling their weight so in order to get the work done on time and avoid being penalised for handing it up late, I did their piece of the work rather than confront the issue but I added how I learnt form that experience.
Probably not the best answer but all I could think of on the spot.

Not a bad answer - the how you learnt bit is the important part; and not just you learnt it wasn't the best approach but what specifically you'd do differently the next time.

Gael23

Eoin wrote: »

Not a bad answer - the how you learnt bit is the important part; and not just you learnt it wasn't the best approach but what specifically you'd do differently the next time.

I would confront the issue myself and if necessary escalate it to the lecturer/supervisor. I think that interview went well but they are interviewing 13 people for 2 positions so the odds are against me

Bongalongherb

smcgiff wrote: »

Most interviews open with or include the question... 'tell me what you know about our company' which will use up that info.

Things have changed fast dude, and all the time. But you're right. The way it is now regarding interviews is to be the best actor out there in regards to studying and gaining as much knowledge and practice you can about the company/business, and being able to forward this at the interview in a professional/relaxed and focused manner.

The joy's of trying to sell yourself. And that's the way it is now big-time. You want to make an impression on the employer that will blow them away, and when you shake hands at the end of the interview, you want to leave there in the knowledge that you have put every ounce of effort into it at your best.

I done the training and it's not easy at all. Practice and more practice will get you there eventually.

Always smile lightly in a friendly manner and never shake the employers hand and wink, a lot of folk do this, it's a no-no especially if the employer is a female. Watch the wink.

smcgiff

Bongalongherb wrote: »

Watch the wink.

And the arse slap if the female interviewer leads you out of the room. Frowned upon I believe.

Gael23

I often forget to smile while in an interview. I just find that I'm so zoned in and trying to focus it slips my mind. I always shake hands at the beginning and end but thats about it.

Bongalongherb

Originally Posted by Bongalongherb
Never say anything like that regarding jobBridge or anything about your previous company/business because they don't want to hear what you have done with a different company/business.

@ Eoin Not sure I follow you there - what you've done before is most likely quite important to the new company?

What I was trying to say is this... You will be interviewed in regards to what you can do for this new company/business. They most surely don't want to hear about what you have done with this older company, because they want to know what you can do for their company and how you will fit in there, and also in how you are going to make their company better and profitable. They really don't care about your previous business as that doesn't interest or concern them, they want to know what you can do to make them a more profitable business.

Of course they will be interested in your previous employment, this is just normal protocol, as it shows that you were recently employed and haven't been out of employment for a period of time, they will obviously be interested in this part but they really don't care what you have done for a previous company, they want to know what you can do for them as a company.

smcgiff

Bongalongherb wrote: »

Originally Posted by Bongalongherb
Never say anything like that regarding jobBridge or anything about your previous company/business because they don't want to hear what you have done with a different company/business.



What I was trying to say is this... You will be interviewed in regards to what you can do for this new company/business. They most surely don't want to hear about what you have done with this older company, because they want to know what you can do for their company and how you will fit in there, and also in how you are going to make their company better and profitable. They really don't care about your previous business as that doesn't interest or concern them, they want to know what you can do to make them a more profitable business.

Of course they will be interested in your previous employment, this is just normal protocol, as it shows that you were recently employed and haven't been out of employment for a period of time, they will obviously be interested in this part but they really don't care what you have done for a previous company, they want to know what you can do for them as a company.

This is terrible advice. One of the most useful aspects of an interview is to find out if the potential employee can perform the expected duties, and the best way of finding that out is usually based on past experience of doing what will be expected.

Eoin

That advice is bordering on the bizarre.

Have you actually interviewed people for a role and not drilled into their previous experience at all?

Bongalongherb

smcgiff wrote: »

This is terrible advice. One of the most useful aspects of an interview is to find out if the potential employee can perform the expected duties, and the best way of finding that out is usually based on past experience of doing what will be expected.

Of course, but in reality the new company/business you will be working for are more interested in the capability of you as a person to make their company/business thrive. The employer most of the time doesn't want to hear how well you made a previous company thrive, they want to know how well you will make their company thrive.

One of the most useful aspects of an interview is to find out if the potential employee can perform the expected duties.

That is up to the employee to prove that they can. All I'm saying is that they will be interested in what you have accomplished regarding your work/duties for that previous company, but this new employer that runs his/her own business would be more interested in what you can do for them.

It's not that terrible of advice, but there is a truth in what I'm saying.

@ Eoin

Have you actually interviewed people for a role and not drilled into their previous experience at all?

I'm not an interviewer, nor am I an employer, it's just my personal opinion.

smcgiff

Bongalongherb wrote: »

but this new employer that runs his/her own business would be more interested in what you can do for them.

And how will they know what you can do for them?

By being able to give past examples of doing similar perhaps?

GT_TDI_150

Not sure what people make of it but ....

I tend to sit with my hands on my knees, never with my arm crossed ... back straight, dont want to be crouched down.

And my big one, even if I know what my answer will be instantly, I will count to 3 in my head before answering ... it gives the impression that you are considering how to answer the question, or what example to use ... imo it shows you dont just rush in, your answers are calculated.

And me personally, I stopped learning off examples for specific answers, if you forget the one you worked on for a question i find it much harder to find a second valid example

Tarzana

ryanf1 wrote: »

I often forget to smile while in an interview.

Ryan, I can't stress this enough - WORK ON THIS! I was the very same as you, now I make sure I come across friendly. My BF conducts loads of interviews and he said there is definitely some truth in the first impression, first fifteen seconds decision made thing. He said if someone doesn't come across as demonstrative, it starts the interview off on the wrong foot and can just set a slightly negative tone for the whole thing. Being outgoing in the workplace is important and you need to demonstrate that. It's hard to get a sense of someone when they are being reserved. He said coming across as friendly and outgoing is a huge leg up in an interview and can make you memorable.

Now obviously there are other places in which a person can flounder during an interview, but why fall at the first?

Eoin

smcgiff wrote: »

"What will I have done in six months time that you would consider I have been a success at this job." This gets the employer associating you with success.

Or even something simpler, like "what projects would the successful candidate be working on in the first few months?".

Job adverts and sometimes the interviews are often large wish lists of all the skills that it'd be great the candidate had experience in, or every single thing they might work on.

If you can get a sense for what you'd be working on when you start in 4 weeks time, you can try and link that back to something you've done before / have an interest in, and give the impression that you will be productive quickly.

Bongalongherb wrote: »

The employer most of the time doesn't want to hear how well you made a previous company thrive, they want to know how well you will make their company thrive.

The latter is often based on the former.