THE ONE GREAT QUESTION TO ASK AT THE END OF YOUR INTERVIEW

Job-seekers often fear that if they do not have a ton of questions at the end of an interview they are absolutely, positively the worst candidate on the planet. Not true, earthlings. You may only need one. I’m here to help.

DO YOUR JOB BEFORE THE JOB

Good candidates know that living in the information age is to their benefit. As we shared in other blog posts, do your research on a company prior to the big day, making sure to use multiple sources, including the company’s website, Glassdoor.com, the internet and your own network of friends. Learning as much as you can before you step in for the interview may get you many of the answers you seek.

Another important tip is to go back and re-read the job posting you applied for. I say this because many candidates looking for a job apply to dozens of them. They get excited, scan the basics and click Apply. But once the call comes for an interview, don’t forget to go read the job, understand it and be ready to say why you’re right for it. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn by going back to the beginning.

All of this work will answer many of the big questions you have: what the company does, their standing in the industry, their history, benefits, etc. It doesn’t mean you won’t still have a few questions at the interview, but you’ll be informed, excited and ready.

THE BIG DAY

Now that you’re at the interview and the conversation is rolling, any good Recruiter will quickly see that you’ve done your homework. You know the role. You know the company. And you have a very good sense of why they called you. With these basics out of the way, you and your interviewer are concentrating on what really matters: your fit for the job and the company, and what the company can offer you in return.

The time has come. It’s the end of the interview and the manager asks, Do you have any last questions for me? Here’s one that cuts to the very heart of the position:

What are you looking for in the person you hire for this job, and what challenges will they face on the road to becoming a great employee?

This question is a real fact-finder for job candidates. Whatever the interviewer didn’t already cover will have a second chance to come out and even if they did cover it, they’ll dig deeper. You’ll learn more about performance objectives, successes/failures of previous hires, growth of the role and ways you can succeed. But listen carefully to their answer. It may very well spark a relevant memory you can share: an identical project you completed or a similar obstacle you overcame.

BRING IT HOME

Interview success is how you sell yourself answering the interviewer’s questions and making good conversation with someone you may be working with. Being knowledgeable about the job you want and asking the big-picture questions in return can really bring it home.

And don’t forget, this works both ways. Don’t be afraid to flip the script and ask your interviewer, Do you have any last questions for Me?

Good luck everyone.