If you think by the time you are asked ‘what questions do you have for me?’ the interview is over, think again. A good interviewer knows the importance of this question. Employers look to recruit inquisitive, considered and well-prepared staff. Having good questions to ask demonstrates many skills.

From personal experience, candidates with good questioning techniques generally get the job. Most interviewees prepare a few vaguely relevant questions – the sort of stuff you can get in 5 minutes following a search in Google.

I only have 3 bits of advice and my first is a plea to not slide into mediocrity by relying on a few questions from a Google search. Mediocrity does not secure jobs. Besides, you owe it to yourself to determine if the organisation is a good fit for your interests and goals.

Secondly, generating good questions is not a 2-minute job. Be prepared to research the employer. Look at recent news about the organisation, topical issues affecting the industry and relate it to the position you are applying for. Show you have an interest in the business activity.

Thirdly, and this is the killer tip, plan to integrate your questions throughout the interview. Don’t wait to be invited to ask. Think about natural points to do so, for example when asked ‘Tell me a little about you’ finish your answer with a question. Remember, the interviewer wants to be in a conversation with you, not a formulaic question and answer session.

I’m a firm believer that if you ask good questions and spread throughout the interview, you are 75% of the way to securing a job. Asking the right questions takes as much skill as giving the right answers.

Examples:

How do you compare to your competitors?

Your company was purchased by another firm recently. What effect has this had?

What do you think makes company x stand out as an employer?

I see the bad weather means bookings have fallen. What is the impact?

With the election coming this year, will this put projects on hold?

How do you look after your customers?

What percentage of customers do you keep?

What is your market share?

I read in the paper you have a change management program in place. What does this mean?

What interesting projects do you have planned for the next 6 months?

Who is your manager? And how do you work together?

What is the culture of the team?

What will my first 7-10 days involve?

What is expected of me and how will you measure my performance?

Can you describe your relationship with a typical customer?

Remember the 3 things: mediocrity does not secure jobs, a little research goes a long way and don’t wait to be asked.

Good Luck

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