Questions that can help you get a job

For most of us, when we get asked in for job interviews, the point at which the interviewer asks ‘Do you have any questions for us/me’ allows us to breathe a sigh of relief. The anxiety starts to slip away and we start to feel like our true selves again.

Which is why this part is so important to allow you to shine. Maybe you need to correct a bad impression on an answer you gave at an earlier part of the interview or you had nerves while starting out and need to redeem yourself.

During this session, you want the panel to watch you leave the room thinking that you’ve already demonstrated that you are a great fit for the firm and can indeed deliver.

So use these guidelines as questions, but remember not to repeat what has already been addressed in the main session otherwise it looks as if you were not listening.

As much as possible, refer back to a conversation that transpired during the previous session.

Expectations

Ask about what the firm’s expectations are of you. What should you be able to deliver and when? What is the priority change that the firm needs to see and where is its impact? Remember, you’re coming in to improve the current state of affairs, not to continue with business as usual. You will also be able to ask and find out what additional skills you need in order to become effective at your role.

Ask about how you fit in

Direct questions to the role you will be playing in the organisation. Granted, you responded to the advert because it had a job title, but what you really want to assess is whether you are there as an implementer, a creative thinker, a problem solver or a strategic planner. Are you the person who thinks or are you the person who does? Similarly, this will allow you to assess whether you will be in a high visibility position or a more undercover version. Inquire too as to the mission and vision of the company and how you will fit into bringing that mission to life.

TIPS

- Have a repertoire of questions to ask an interviewer, even if it is the CEO so that you never have to respond ‘I have no questions’. This makes you look unprepared and lacking initiative.

- Ask about how you fit into the firm’s culture, mission, vision and what role your being hired will serve to drive the company forward.