You've landed an interview for a great job and you've spent time thinking about questions you might be asked and how you'll answer. But don't forget that the interviewer might turn the tables at some point and ask, "What questions do you have for me?"
Prepare yourself for that possibility by following this advice from Eric Schelling, senior director of talent acquisition with The Home Depot's corporate office in Atlanta.
"We always give candidates the opportunity to ask questions," Schelling said. "It's good to ask about the job itself and things about the corporation that you won't necessarily learn through a Google search."
Examples of good questions include:
- What can the person in this role do to elevate himself compared to others in similar roles?
- What have others done to succeed in this position?
- What are the most valuable attributes for the person in this position to have?
- What internal or external business obstacles (or challenges) might the person in this position face?
- How does the person in this position fit with other team members?
- What opportunities might there be for job progression?
- Can you tell me more about the company's core values, such as how you're involved in the community?
- Can you tell me more about the company's culture and how leadership fosters that culture?
- What are some of the company's long-term strategies, and how might the person in this position fit into that picture?
- What are some aspects of this position that might not have been in the job posting?
- How long have you (the interviewer) worked here, and what do you like about it?
- What kinds of struggles did you (the interviewer) have when you began working here, and how did you overcome them?
The reverse is also true – you'll be wise to steer clear of certain questions.
"The hiring manager doesn't want to hear questions about things you could have learned on your own through simple searches," Schelling said. "Don't ask a general question about the company's values. Ask about a specific value instead and how it is seen in the company."
"Don't ask candidate-centric questions about pay, schedule flexibility or the number of hours you'll work, either," Schelling added.
If you're interviewing for a technology position, expand your list to include questions such as:
- How do you use technology for competitive advantage?
- Based on current projects, what technology would I have the opportunity to work with?
- How is the company thinking ahead in terms of technology?
"Do your research and come prepared with provocative questions," Schelling advised. "Too often, candidates don't do that, and saying 'I don't have any questions' can be off-putting to the hiring manager."
"The interview itself is structured, so this is your time to shine," he added. "It lets the hiring manager see how you think and how you connect the dots between yourself, the position and future opportunities."
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