Monday, February 2, 2009

Interview Tips - How to answer "Do you have any questions?"

Do you have any Questions? Preparing the Right Answer

You will be given an opportunity to ask questions during your interview. If you give it some thought before the interview you will be better prepared to ask well informed, intelligent questions.

You can utilize this as a golden opportunity to make a good impression and save yourself the regret of knowing what you should have asked – after your chance has passed.

During the research phase of your preparation keep a notepad handy to write down questions specific to the organization and their product or service. Getting interested in what the company does and how they have gotten to where they are is a great way to be an engaged candidate. There is no better way to show that you care about the company and your potential role within the organization than through thoughtful informed questions.

Here are some samples to get you thinking about possible questions:
· What are some of the characteristics of your top performers in this position?
· Where do you see the company going in the next 5 years?
· What/who are the major competitors in your market?
· Could you describe a typical month in this position?
· What would be the key indicators of success for someone in this position?
· What are the main qualities you would like to see in the successful applicant?

At the end of the interview you would take the opportunity to ask what the next step is.
A “closing question” you can ask the interviewer is how they see you fitting into the organization.
Depending on the type of position for which you are interviewing, the “closing question” could actually be part of the expectation for the role. If you are interviewing for a sales job it is highly recommended that you ensure you include the closing question; this is a skill that a salesperson would be expected to possess. This will also help you find out if the interviewer has any concerns and give you a change to address them. If the position really interests you coming up with questions should be easy. You will be able to tailor your questions to the job without trouble – however doing it on the spot can be a challenge for anyone. Prepare ahead so you shine when your interviewer turns the table and lets you ask the questions.

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