| It might surprise you to know that asking questions of | | | | you will deliver those qualities and skills he needs when |
| your own during your job interview is just as important | | | | you answer his questions. |
| as answering them. Candidates spend a lot of time | | | | Asking questions uncovers doubts the hiring manager |
| on interview preparation, and they should. Doing your | | | | might have about you. |
| research on the company, bringing your 30/60/90-day | | | | When you ask questions like "Do you see any reason |
| plan, and preparing compelling answers to interview | | | | you wouldn't move me forward in this process?" or "Is |
| questions (as well as having some stories to back | | | | there any reason you wouldn't hire me?" the manager |
| them up) are guaranteed ways to have a good | | | | will tell you what he sees as your weak spots. It |
| interview. But one thing that will make you stand out | | | | might be a real one that you can provide a plan for |
| from other candidates is asking questions. | | | | correcting, or it might just be a misconception on his |
| Asking questions tells you what you need to know. | | | | part because you didn't give him the answer he was |
| After all, you're interviewing the company, too. Is it | | | | looking for in a previous question. Once you've |
| going to be a good fit for you? Is it going to be | | | | uncovered those issues, you can correct them and |
| somewhere you'll be able to grow and advance your | | | | possibly save the interview. |
| career? To find out these answers, you'll ask | | | | Asking questions turns the interview into a |
| questions about the company, the mission, the typical | | | | conversation. |
| work day, travel schedules, and so on—just don't ask | | | | Conducting a conversation, rather than participating in a |
| about the salary or the vacation! | | | | ping-pong-style Q&A session, helps to establish |
| Asking questions gives you better answers to | | | | rapport. It becomes a give-and-take between |
| interview questions. | | | | professionals. It makes you seem confident, and |
| Do you want to know what the hiring manager wants | | | | capable of thinking strategically. And, it makes you |
| to hear? Ask him. Say something like, "What are | | | | seem more enthusiastic and interested in the job. |
| you looking for in a candidate?" or "Tell me about your | | | | You can't go wrong by asking questions. |
| most successful employee." Or ask, "What tasks will | | | | If you're not comfortable with this, find an interview |
| define success for this job?" You can even ask, | | | | coach to role-play the interview with you. It's worth it |
| "What would sink an employee in this position?" Any | | | | if it increases your confidence and gives you a |
| of these questions will define for you what the hiring | | | | smoother, more successful interview. |
| manager is looking for so that you can show him how | | | | |