Interviewing
7 Interview Questions To Boost Your Chance of Getting Hired
Research demonstrates that a job interview is either won or lost based on two essential qualities…
1. Confidence
2. Enthusiasm
The challenge with both of them? They can easily become too concentrated and, in some cases, may cause you to miss out on the role: Confidence can easily become arrogance and (over) enthusiasm may be interpreted as desperation.
How can you incorporate both confidence and enthusiasm in your interview without going overboard? Easy.
Ask smart, savvy, and well-timed questions
One of the best ways to demonstrate these qualities without going overboard is to weave them throughout the interview by asking smart, savvy, and well-timed questions.
One of the most common pieces of positive post-interview feedback involves interviewers being impressed by the thoughtful questions posed by the interviewee. Conversely, when we receive feedback that the interviewee “did not have any questions for us,” it’s often a deal breaker.
It’s worth noting that one of the most common pieces of positive post-interview feedback from interviewers involves their admiration for the insightful questions posed by the interviewee. On the flip side, when we receive feedback that the interviewee “did not have any questions for us,” it can often be a deal breaker.
So, prepare a set of questions that reflect your enthusiasm for the position, your understanding of the company, and your desire to excel in the role. During the interview, strategically incorporate these questions to not only gather crucial information but also to convey your engagement and commitment. Remember, a well-crafted question can be as impressive as a well-crafted answer.
Avoid generic interview questions
Common job interview questions (“How do you define success in this role?”) are no longer enough. To actively demonstrate both confidence and enthusiasm, you need to show you can see yourself doing the job and establish how you’ll thoughtfully approach it.
Asking astute and specific questions is your chance to shine and help your interviewer visualize how you would tackle the responsibilities once the job is awarded to you. It’s not just about talking the talk; it’s about walking the walk in the interviewer’s mind. Your questions should convey that you’re not just interested in the job; you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a meaningful impact from day one. So, prepare questions that showcase your strategic thinking and commitment to success in the role.
Here are a few tips for creating questions to boost your chances of getting hired:
- Ask your interviewer specific questions about their career path, how they ended up at the company, and why they chose to sign on. (Hint: A quick pre-interview LinkedIn profile scan may be helpful.)
In addition to asking insightful questions about the role and company, consider delving into your interviewer’s perspective as well. Ask specific questions about their career journey, how they came to be a part of the company, and what motivated them to join. A quick pre-interview scan of their LinkedIn profile can be a valuable tool to gather insights. This not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also opens up a more personal and engaging conversation. It allows you to connect on a human level, showing that you’re not just focused on the job but also on the people and culture that make the organization unique.
Remember, interviews are not only an opportunity for the company to evaluate you but also for you to assess if the company aligns with your career goals and values. Asking about your interviewer’s experiences can provide valuable insights into the company’s culture and growth opportunities while making a positive impression of your own.
- Ask whether your interviewer currently has any challenging or enjoyable projects in motion.
As you engage in conversation with your interviewer, don’t hesitate to inquire about their current projects. Asking whether they have any challenging or enjoyable projects in motion can be a fantastic way to deepen the conversation. It not only shows your genuine interest in their work but also allows you to gain insights into the company’s current priorities and the types of projects you might be involved in if you join the team.
This question can also help you establish a more personal connection, as people often enjoy discussing their passions and challenges. By showing curiosity and actively listening to their response, you not only make a positive impression but also gather valuable information that can help you tailor your responses to align with the company’s immediate needs and goals.
- Study the company’s newsroom, press releases, and/or media coverage. Craft a question or two about something currently on their radar that few other interviewees would know about.
To stand out in your interview, take the time to thoroughly research the company’s recent newsroom updates, press releases, and media coverage. Once you’ve gathered this information, craft a question or two about something currently on their radar that few other interviewees would know about. This demonstrates your dedication to understanding the company’s current landscape and positions you as a candidate who is genuinely engaged and informed.
By asking about specific recent developments, you not only showcase your knowledge but also open the door to meaningful conversations about the company’s challenges and opportunities. This level of preparedness and insight can leave a lasting impression and set you apart as a candidate who goes the extra mile to understand the organization and its future direction.
- If the annual report is available online, look through it and create a few questions based on what you read.
Asking questions derived from the annual report showcases your commitment to due diligence and understanding the company’s business fundamentals. You might inquire about financial milestones, growth strategies, or any challenges mentioned in the report. This not only demonstrates your preparedness but also highlights your interest in the company’s long-term vision and stability.
By delving into the annual report, you position yourself as a candidate who is not only focused on the present but also invested in the company’s future, which can leave a strong and positive impression during the interview.
- Ask about the role’s mandate and contributions to the bottom line (e.g. increasing revenue, decreasing expenses, improving efficiencies).
Understanding the direct impact of the role on the company’s success not only demonstrates your business acumen but also showcases your commitment to making a meaningful difference. It allows you to connect your skills and experiences to the organization’s goals, emphasizing how you can be an asset in driving positive results.
By asking about the role’s mandate and contributions, you not only gain clarity about your potential responsibilities but also convey your proactive and results-oriented mindset, which can greatly enhance your candidacy.
- Rather than asking for your interviewer to describe the organizational culture, ask them to describe how their teams celebrate success and take corrective action when they have gone off course.
By inquiring about the celebration of success, you gain insight into the company’s recognition and appreciation of achievements. It helps you understand if they prioritize acknowledging and rewarding hard work and innovation, which can be indicative of a positive and motivating work environment.
Similarly, asking about corrective action when things don’t go as planned offers insights into the company’s approach to challenges and problem-solving. It provides a glimpse into their commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
These questions not only help you gauge the organizational culture more effectively but also signal to the interviewer that you’re interested in the practical aspects of working in the company. It showcases your curiosity and proactive mindset, both of which are highly valued traits in potential hires.
- Review their social feeds, see what stories are being told, and cite a few of them when zeroing in on culture, brand, and values.
During the interview, you can cite a few of these stories to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the company’s identity. This not only showcases your research skills but also helps you connect on a deeper level with the interviewer, as you’re referencing real examples that resonate with the company’s messaging.
Referencing specific social media content also signals that you’ve done your homework and are actively engaged with the company’s online presence. It’s a subtle way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the organization and its mission, leaving a positive impression during the interview.
Write down all of your questions in a fresh, new notebook, bring it with you to the job interview, and get ready to reap the benefits!
