Ask Revealing Questions in an Interview

Of course, you don’t want to answer this formulaic question, “No.” Probably, which will cause your apparently perfect interview to get to a screeching halt. Asking questions is an essential part of the interview process. Knowing the right questions to ask is vital for a number of reasons.

Your questions affirm your credentials for your position. They show your interest in the business. And they provide you a chance to discover more about company. Your questions show confidence in your abilities and skills. They provide you with the chance to see how the interviewer’s mind works. In all likelihood, the interviewer will be someone who manages your well-being in the organization.

If they seem hesitant to answer, take it as a warning sign that the organization is not as above-board or transparent as it would like to promote itself. Nonetheless, the interviewer’s response will provide you with insight regarding the type of people you'll be working with carefully on a regular basis.

Questions You Should Ask

Revealing questions you can ask include:

Tell me about yourself. This is a great opening question with which to rebalance the power equation. Interviewers and employers operate from a vastly greater position of power than you do. They know more about you than you do about them, and they freely wield that power. Reset the game board by asking penetrating questions about the individual or people grilling you. Be polite, but be firm and receptive as they answer. Gently probe to gather information and build a rapport with the interviewer.

Tell me about the person who held this position. These are straightforward questions that can tell you a great deal as to whether the job at hand is a godforsaken role or the opportunity of a lifetime. Also, depending on the interviewers answer, you may see opportunities to offer how you would be a perfect fit for the opening, if their answers seem appealing.

Did the individual get promoted, fired or did they quit or retire? This can provide you an idea of potential growth opportunity in the position, and in the company in general. Their answer will also indicate the amount of employee happiness in the business. You may also gain insight into the general work environment and interpersonal dynamics of the company.

Currently, what is the biggest problem facing your staff, and would I be in the position to assist you solve this problem? The question is comparable to asking your current boss, “How can I make your job easier?” Your interest shows you're proactive and attentive to how you can help the interviewer and the team. The question also presents the interviewer with a way to understand “what’s in it for them” by hiring you. Also, it helps your interviewer envision you in the position when you offer possible approaches to relieving their pain point.

What is the next step? The last fundamental question you should always ask, regardless of what position you are interviewing for. The interviewer’s answer will provide a pressure reading against which you can measure your chances of getting the job. Also, it helps to ask about time tables: how many people are they interviewing, how many rounds of interviews are there, and by when do they need the position filled?

Make the most of the short time afforded you during an interview by asking straightforward, pertinent questions. Inquisitiveness will help you regain power in an interview, show off your skills and talents, and make you memorable to interviewers and potential coworkers.