8 Interview Questions You Should Ask Every Time | A Decade Later
8 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ask
1. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THIS BUSINESS?
As Jayna Cook, CEO of EventUp says, "You want employees who buy into you and your idea, so it is imperative that you hire people who are on board with your vision." Paying some mind to your interviewer's grassroots will show that you are engaged and interested in their journey, as well as yours.
2. IF YOU COULD IMPROVE ONE THING ABOUT THE COMPANY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Peter Minton, Founder & President of Minton Law Group, P.C. shares that you can establish that your interview is a two-way street and gain more insight into your final decision upon employment day. "If the answer given is not candid, there is information in that as well."
3. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE "SUCCESS" FOR THIS POSITION?
Caroline Howard of Forbes says that this can help you determine whether the boss you are bound to work under is hands-off or a serial micro-manager (I've worked with a few of the latter and let me tell you: if I had the ability to know this before I accepted the job(s), I would have never accepted).
4. WHAT'S THE PROCESS FOR ON-BOARDING EMPLOYEES, AND HOW DO YOU HANDLE BEGINNER MISTAKES?
In a list put together by Meghan Rabbitt at FastCompany, she stresses that one of the most important things to know about your employer is whether or not they support rookie mistakes (or mistakes in general). This indicates what type of environment they foster.
Meghan says, "Beware of any interviewer who says something along the lines of, 'Are you planning on making mistakes?', or, 'Well, we really hope people don't make mistakes.'" Taking risks might not be the strong suit of this company if so.
5. WHAT WOULD YOUR EMPLOYEES SAY ARE THE TOP THREE REASONS THEY LOVE WORKING FOR YOU?
This is also one of Meghan's prime tips for interviewees. However, she warns that it is highly unlikely that an employer will admit their faults face-to-face and suggests that you set up a lunch with your potential co-workers as soon as you get a job offer. Suzanne Lucas, human resource veteran adds: "It will start out all positive... but halfway through lunch, you'll get the whole truth."
6. HOW WILL THE WORK I'LL BE DOING CONTRIBUTE TO THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION?
Dave Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Local stresses that this question "says that the applicant is a big thinker. Second, it tells me the applicant isn't just looking for a job - she's looking for something to believe in. I want these people working for us. This question can lead to a great discussion and a quick determination about whether there's a mutual fit."
7. WHY DID THE PERSON WHO PREVIOUSLY HELD THE JOB LEAVE?
From personal experience, I see the most telling tidbit about your job satisfaction is this: what compelled my predecessor to peace out? Knowing what they hated and what they loved is so, so important to my decision making process. *Included in a list made by Business News Daily.
8. DO YOU HAVE ANY HESITATIONS ABOUT MY QUALIFICATIONS?
Next Avenue, a contributor to Forbes shares that they believe this question is gutsy and shows that you are confident in your abilities and skills. Surprise is the name of the game in interviews--it's time to surprise your future employer!
Have you used any of these questions in your interviews? What's another question that's at the top of your to-ask list?
If you're looking for more great tips, The Job Search Bible has a fantastic list of 6 questions you should always ask in your interview to better determine if the position is right for you!
ABOUT “A DECADE LATER”
This blog post is part of A Decade Later, a series celebrating and reflecting on my time spent in my early 20s / college as I approach my 30th birthday in 2024. I’m republishing old blog posts from the college vault and reminiscing on the good old days through the process. I hope you find something of inspiration within these pages. :)
