Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview. You’re one step closer to getting your dream job.
No doubt you will spend many hours before the interview preparing answers to the questions that might be asked of you. But don’t forget to prepare a few questions too.
It pays to do your homework
Asking questions at the interview is your best opportunity to find out more about the company, the role for which you’ve applied and what it might be like to work for the organisation. It also demonstrates that you’re serious about your application, have taken the time to picture yourself in the position and are proactively finding out whether it’s the right fit for you. In addition, if you ask the right questions, it’s your chance to show that you’ve done your homework about the company.
Don’t forget an interview is a two way process – you are interviewing them too
Most people forget, or are too nervous, to think seriously about what questions they want to ask about their prospective new employer. But you have to know that it will be a good fit for you as well. You get to ask them some curly or pointy questions too. One of the best questions I was asked in an interview by a candidate once was, “How long have you worked here, and what do you like about it?” – Brilliant!
Your point of difference
Since many people neglect this vital aspect of their interview preparation, asking relevant, intelligent questions at the appropriate time is a golden opportunity to stand out from the crowd and make a good impression on the interviewer. This is your point of difference (POD), and could give you the edge if they have to choose between you and another equally skilled applicant.
Let’s take a look at a few of the best questions to ask to highlight your POD:
• What are the day-to-day tasks for this job?
• What career path does someone in this role typically follow?
• What qualities does someone need to have to be successful in this role?
• What can you tell me about the company culture?
• Where do you see the company in five years?
• What challenges and opportunities do you see facing the company or department?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?
Interview preparation with The Proven Group
Here at The Proven Group we can help you prepare the most appropriate questions and answers for your next interview, as well as provide interview coaching in a mock interview situation.
The Proven Group also offers professional cover-letter and résumé-writing services, LinkedIn profile-writing, how to address key selection criteria, behavioural profiling and career counselling, to jobseekers in Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne and indeed, Australia-wide!
