In many situations, the questions you ask in an interview can be more revealing than the answers you give. Recruiters are looking for candidates who ask insightful questions throughout the recruitment process; they see candidates' questions for employers as clues about their analytical skills.
Questions are also a sign of enthusiasm, something most recruiters and hiring managers desperately want to see. "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 as well," says Austin Cooke, director of global recruitment at Sapient, a technology consulting company.
Four Starter Questions
While you should always customize your questions for the particular job and situation, here are four to get you started.
1. Can you tell me about the culture here?
Company culture can be a bit difficult to get a handle on until you walk through the door and experience it yourself.
2. Would you mind telling me about how your career got you
to this point?
This question is good on two levels: It gives you a chance to learn a bit about potential coworkers or bosses, and is also a nice ego rub for
the interviewer.
3. Can you tell me about your management style?
If you're interviewing with the person who may be your boss, it's important to understand how he'll manage you and the people around you.
4. What's your biggest source of job satisfaction?
This question can help you understand both what makes your potential workmates tick and what they think the company's strengths are.
This is an excerpt. Read the full article here.
