Stand out in an Interview with These Questions

So you got the interview, now what?

With the availability of candidate information on job boards and social media, securing a job today has become competitive, to say the least. Between resumes, LinkedIn profiles, social media, high-demand skill sets, work experience, etc., there is much to consider as an employer when hiring for a position. So, once you’ve landed the interview, the real prep work begins!
Prepare for the interview in two ways. First, do your research! Having an understanding of the company’s history, the culture, and the mission will:
A) Help you to feel comfortable and confident in the interview
B) Quickly set you apart from those that don’t take the time to do this
Second, this is just as much an interview for you as it is for your potential employer. Even if you nail every interview question you are asked, standing out in a strong pool of applicants can be challenging. When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions?”, replying “Yes!” is always the answer. In today’s business environment, a desirable candidate with well thought out questions, prepared in advance, will make the interviewer sit up straight and take notice. There is no better way to show off how intelligent and interested you are than asking compelling questions during your interview.
And don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your interest in the position by only asking basic questions that every interviewer has heard before. Highlighting your strengths in the form of a question should be your goal. The questions should exhibit your accountability, confidence and commitment.

Here are ten unforgettable questions applicants can ask in an interview:

1. What’s the most important thing I can accomplish in the first 60 days?
2. Who do you consider your top competitor and why?
3. What do you like best about working for this company?
4. What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
5. What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
6. How has the company changed since you joined?
7. How will you judge my success? What will have happened six months from now that will demonstrate that I have met your expectations?
8. This job sounds like something I’d really like to do—is there a fit here?
9. Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?
10. Can I answer any final questions for you?

Use these questions as a prototype, integrating the particulars of the job you are applying to, to impress your interviewer. Companies want a team member that is enthusiastic about their future careers, not just the row of qualifications and bullet points on your resume. With proper research, an engaging set of questions and a positive attitude, your dream job could be right around the corner.
Sources:

• Kador, J. (n.d.). Here are nine good questions to ask at your next job interview. Retrieved June 26, 2017, from https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/nine-questions-to-ask-interview
• Page, M. (2016, December 8). Asking the right questions. Retrieved June 26, 2017, from http://www.michaelpage.co.uk/advice/career-advice/job-interview-tips/asking-right-questions
• Skillings, P. (2017, April 02). Top 12 Best Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview. Retrieved June 26, 2017, from https://biginterview.com/blog/2011/08/best-questions-to-ask-end-interview.html