A good number of interview candidates fail to realize that an interview is a two-way street. Just like the recruiters are trying to figure out if you’re a good fit for the company, you should also try to figure out if the position being offered will be a good career move on your part. Candidates are too quick to say ‘no’ when asked towards the end of an interview session if they have any questions. Although most simply decline out of nerves; the rest don’t think its okay to ask recruiters questions.
An interview is a meant to be an interaction between an employer and his potential employee and as such both parties are entitled to ask questions. Don’t forget, you are looking for a job just as much as the company is looking for someone to get the job done. The pressure is higher on the job seeker because he might not have many options while the recruiter is faced with the problem of choosing the most qualified out of a long list of applicants.
In this regard, you should be cautious the kind of questions you ask and how you word them. Don’t just ask empty questions for the sake of it. Ask questions that are intelligent and that make you seem enthusiastic about working for the company. Your questions should be engaging without sounding desperate or arrogant. Here are a few examples of intelligent questions that will impress any recruiter;
What does a typical day of work look like in this company?
Which project would I be expected to handle first if I get the job?
Is there something I could do to improve my chances?
Do you have office cultures I should be aware of?
Could you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
What can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
What’s the next step now?
These questions depict confidence in getting the job, interest in the workings of the company, and interest in the opinion of the recruiter. This is what you’re gunning for. Avoid questions that have a yes or no answer; they don’t entail engagement as much as explanatory responses. Also steer clear of questions regarding salary or benefits; they make you seem greedy and desperate. Talk about money and benefits should only come when you’re being offered the job. Keep in mind that your body language matters as well when asking these questions. Don’t simply recite questions from the top of your head like a robot. Listen to the responses and make them feel like you’re really interested. Most importantly, your questions should be relevant, articulately worded and straight to the point.
