3. Write down a few questions that will help you decide whether or not you want to take the position. Think about the day-to-day lifestyle of working for this company: What are the hours per week? What is the workday like? Are you always going to be at the same location, or is there travel involved? What are the physical demands?
4. Think about this job in relation to your larger career goals. What kinds of opportunities for growth does the company provide? Is there a mentorship culture at this company where you would have a chance to learn and to build others? Are there further certification or education needs for your field that the company will fulfill?
5. Do your research on the company—see what their needs are, and where they are looking to build. Check to see if they are involved in their community, or with a specific cause. These areas could help you generate questions about where you could fit in with their larger company goals.
And, for the sake of always being well prepared… Let’s say the interview doesn’t go well. Your Q&A can be a place for you to clarify any answers that didn’t go over well the first time (rather than beating yourself up over missed opportunities all the way
home). Questions to use in the event of a not-so-great interview include:
1. Do you have any reservations about hiring me? (This gives you a space to ease their minds.. just make sure that you don’t get defensive when they give you their answer.)
2. What type of person would be the idea candidate for this position? (This question opens the door for you to clarify any areas where you may not have shown you are a good match—and worst case scenario, it may help you to realize this isn’t the job for you.)
3. Where do you see this company in 3 years, and how would a person in this position contribute to that vision? (At the very least, this is a question that should get them thinking and get the conversational ball rolling again if it’s stopped—and it shows that you are interested in their long-term plans.)
Remember: the goal of the Q&A is not to leave you a flustered mess at the end of the interview—it’s an opportunity to ask clear, specific questions so that you and the company have a chance to determine if you’re the best fit for the job.
Still worried about coming up with more good questions? Check out this resource: http://www.heroesgethired.com/chap09?p=2