You’re probably used to being asked a lot of questions during job interviews. Or, if you haven’t been interviewed before, you already expect the interviewer to ask you a lot of things. Whether easy or difficult, you prepare yourself to provide answers that will help you get the job.
Getting hired involves more than answering an interviewer’s questions, though. You also have to do a little “asking” of your own. It’s a great way to subtly tell a potential employer, “Hey! I’m a critical and analytical thinker. I also know how to identify important information.”
Of course, you have to ensure that your line of questioning is appropriate and professional. Keep these things in mind the next you get the chance to ask questions during an interview:
FOCUS ON THE POSITION
The safest way to approach asking questions to an interviewer is to focus on the nature of the job you’re applying for.
If you can show that you’re interested enough to try learning more about the position, you gain an extra advantage in terms of earning their trust. This is sure to reflect on their feedback to the person who will make the decision to hire you.
MIND YOUR LANGUAGE
No, you don’t have to speak Filipino or English exclusively. Just use an appropriate level of language. Remember that you are talking to a fellow professional. Ask questions clearly and respectfully, and avoid steering or manipulating the conversation.
Also, match the tone and speech style of the interviewer in order to establish the right kind of rapport. Be formal when they are formal, and be relaxed when they are relaxed. Convey friendliness when they indicate that it’s okay to be friendly.
ASK ABOUT THE COMPANY
While you’re already asking questions, try to find out more about the company: it’s nature, history, prevalent culture, and other aspects like the best way to get to the premises.
This gives the interviewer the impression that you’re invested in the possibility of being part of the organization, which is undoubtedly a point in your favor.
USE PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED POINTS
Everything that was discussed during the interview can be used to your advantage. Try to clarify things that were not fully explained because of time constraints. For one thing, this will help you fully understand the opportunity you’re pursuing.
Also, it can help your application succeed. When you demonstrate that you were genuinely paying close attention, you increase the interviewer’s confidence in you – and, by extension, the probability they will recommend you to be hired.
SAVE COMPENSATION FOR LAST
You might be surprised at this tip, but hear this out: you want to convey that you’re not obsessed with the compensation, but also that you know your value.
Save any questions about salary and benefits for last, to show that it’s not the only thing that made you interested in the position. But when the moment comes to ask those questions, pursue them so that they know you’re committed to reaching a mutual agreement regarding the value of the position. This can also show that you are a keen judge of value, which is something any organization wants from its people.