Closing questions leave a good impression

"The way to show interest is by asking follow-up questions, really taking interest in what they're doing and showing that you've done some research."

(Austin Cooke, Recruiter)

Many job seekers prepare for their job interview by practicing what answers they will give during their interview. However, in a successful job interview, it is just as important to know what questions to ask the interviewer. Questioning goes two-ways!

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Acing the interview : how to ask and answer the questions that will get you the job
Tony Beshara.
New York : American Management Association, c2008.
In ACING THE INTERVIEW, employment expert Tony Beshara gives job seekers candid advice for answering even the most unexpected questions. Taking the reader through the entire process, from initial interview to evaluating a job offer, this book gives job-seekers the guidance they need to get the job they want.
     
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The most important questions to ask on your next job interview : insider secrets you need to know
by Kendall Blair.
Ocala, Fla. : Atlantic Pub. Group, c2007.
  1. Includes index.
  2. Interview questions -- Work environment -- Assignments & tasks -- Chain of command -- If the position is not right for you -- This company is a match! -- Advancement -- Why me? -- Problems -- What have I left out? -- Guidance -- Communication -- The wrap up -- Case studies.
  3. Includes bibliographical references and index.
     
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101 great answers to the toughest interview questions
Ron Fry.
Clifton Park, NY : Thomson Delmar Learning, c2007.
Tough interview questions are inevitable in today's competitive job market. Ron Fry's 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions has helped more than 500,000 job seekers pinpoint what employers are really asking with every question, and more importantly, what they want to hear in response. Now in its 5th edition, this no-nonsense guide will prepare you to leverage the trickiest questions to your advantage. Book jacket.
     
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Nail the job interview! : 101 dynamite answers to interview questions
Caryl and Ron Krannich.
Manassas Park, Va. : Impact Publications, c2006.
Interviews don't just count-they count the most. Regardless of how well you write resumes and letters, conduct research, and network for job leads, you simply must do well in the face-to-face job interview if you are to get the job offer. But conducting an effective interview is easier said than done. Your initial surge of joy in getting the interview may quickly turn into a case of sweaty palms, dry mouth, churning stomach, and wobbly knees.
     
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The manager's book of questions : 1,001 great interview questions for hiring the best person
John Kador.
New York : McGraw-Hill, c2006.
Rev. ed. of: The manager's book of questions : 751 great interview questions for hiring the best person. 1997
     
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High-impact interview questions : 701 behavior-based questions to find the right person for every job
Victoria A. Hoevemeyer ; foreword by Paul Falcone.
New York : American Management Association, c2006.
This guide to interviewing prospective job candidates suggests drawing on questions about the person's previous job experience to judge their abilities and future performance. Hoevemeyer describes Competency-Based Behavioral Interviewing and provides approximately 700 questions ranging from analytical skills and communication to decision-making and motivation. She also discusses follow-up questions, telephone screening interviews, creating forms, and compiling data. Hoevemeyer is an independent consultant in organizational development. Annotation #169;2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
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Getting good answers to tough interview questions
 
Indianapolis, Ind. : JIST Works, 2005.
  1. DVD.
  2. Mike Farr.
  3. Title from disc label.
  4. Mike Farr, author and career planning specialist, discusses the steps needed to get and keep the job you really want.
     
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501+ great interview questions for employers and the best answers for prospective employees
Dianna Podmoroff.
Ocala, Fla. : Atlantic Pub. Group, c2005.
The 501 questions and accompanying analyses in this resource help managers learn more about an applicant's interpersonal, empathy, problem solving, analytical, decision making, organization, leadership, creativity, and stress management skills. Individuals looking for a job can also benefit from the questions by mulling over their potential answers for a future interview. Annotation #169;2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     

Questions that will help you better evaluate the job, more clearly communicate your qualifications to employers, and ensure a two-way communication process. The dialogue you provide with a potential employer helps them decide if you "fit" into their organization.

An interview is a business meeting. Both you and the interviewer are meeting to determine if you are the best "fit" for a job that the employer wants to fill. Definitely, it is a good idea to think before you speak.

Five important rules that should be used, before asking the interviewer a question are:

  1. Care about the topic. If you do not care about a topic, then do not ask a question about it. If you do care about the topic, then move on to Rule #2.
  2. Read about, thought about. Make sure you have researched the topic before you ask about it. This reflects your professional competence. Also, it is a good idea to refer to your research when presenting the question.
  3. Answer is not found in obvious place. Double-check the obvious sources to make sure that the question you are asking has not been already answered in a source you should have read (i.e. company's website, annual report, recruiting literature, job description, or cover story of a recent journal).
  4. Barrier-free questions . Make sure that the question you are asking does not rise barriers to getting the job offer. For example, if you ask "Is relocation a necessary part of the job?"
  5. Appropriate person. Consider your question in light of the other person's role in the company.

Avoid asking questions about

Salary
Benefits
Vacations

until you have asked several questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and ability to do the job.

Depending on how your interview goes, you may only have time to ask one final question. In this case, try to make it the best question possible. Consider these:

  • What are the measurements for success within your organization?
  • I read in the newspaper about your organization's expansion.  Could you give me more details?
  • What do you (the interviewer) like most about working for this organization?

Try to formulate at least two open-ended, penetrating questions to ask your interviewer. They will hopefully give you an edge over others being interviewed for the position.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff.