Ask Back: Turning The Tables On The Job Interviewer And Getting The Answers You Need

Contributed by Jennifer Goldman

In order to stand out at an interview, you need to do more than just provide impressive answers to the interviewer’s questions. You also need to ask questions that show you have some in-depth understanding of the position, and some insight into what it may entail. This not only shows that you’ve done your research, but also that you’ve been listening closely and are developing a realistic picture of what life on the job will be like. Furthermore, asking the interviewer questions will benefit you by giving you an even greater sense of what to expect in the workplace. It’s important that you find out the important details before you take the position. Otherwise you might quickly find out that the job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. If you’re nervous about asking questions, you can prepare some ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or elaboration on the spot either. Once you know what you’re getting into, you can make a more sincere commitment. You can also use information about the position provided in the interviewer’s answers to highlight your relevant skills.

Her are some general rules regarding how to go about asking an interviewer relevant and engaging questions that project the right attitude:

DO:

• Ask questions that leave room for the interviewer to elaborate rather than just answer with a “yes” or “no.”
• Ask questions that get to the bottom of what you can offer the company.
• Ask questions that show you’ve done your homework, i.e., independently researched the company and the position.
• Smile and maintain eye contact.
• Keep it brief. Don’t monopolize the interviewer’s time or leave him or her feeling exasperated.
• Ask if the interviewer has any concerns regarding your qualifications. This positions you to clear up any doubts.
• Plan out and rehearse some of your questions before the interview but try not to sound rehearsed.
• Ask original, thoughtful, and insightful questions that display your analytical skills and your ability to offer an innovative point of view.

DON’T:

• Ask too many questions and you’ll risk overwhelming the interviewer, or give off the impression that you are high maintenance and lack the self-sufficiency to research some of the more accessible info on your own.
• Interrupt the interviewer while he or she is speaking.
• Ask when you’ll get your first vacation. This question says your priorities are more focused on your personal time than your work.
• Ask about penalties and reprimands. This gives he impression that you are plotting an indiscretion and wonder what the consequences might be.
• Ask questions that imply desperation on your part.
• Ask for a specific salary figure; instead ask for a salary range.
• Ask threatening or potentially insulting questions.
• Back the interviewer into the corner by asking him or her for insider info or anything else that puts him or her in a compromising position.
• Ask ”why” questions that may challenge or undermine the company’s choices.
• Ask questions that center around fulfilling your needs. Instead you should be focusing on the company’s needs and how you may help fulfill them.

In accordance with these basic rules, there are some specific questions you may want to consider asking interviewer:

Why is the job available?

What qualities and skills does the position require?

What is the procedure for training new staff members?

Can you please list some of the company’s primary objectives—both immediate and long-term?

What growth opportunity does the position potentially offer?

Who will I be working with on a daily basis?

What are the qualifications of my immediate coworkers?

What are the company’s main values and how does the workplace atmosphere reflect those values?

What is the average turn over rate for employees of the company?

Under what circumstances did you start working for the company?

What do you like most about working for the company?

What sort of competition does the company face?

Whatever you decide to ask your interviewer, make sure the conversation runs both ways. It’s important that you take advantage of this opportunity to develop a dynamic rapport with one of your potential coworkers. It’s quite possibly the best way to make a memorable impression, which will give you a solid edge over the competition.

About the Author:
Jennifer Goldman is a freelance writer, editor, and proofreader living in Denver, Colorado.

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