What should I say when it's my turn to talk in the job interview?
Question:
When you're seeing many different people from the same company during an
interview, what should you say when asked if you have any questions? Most of the
questions I usually have could be addressed by any of the interviewers.
I've tried coming up with as many questions as possible and asking one per
person�or just asking the same questions over and over and pretending to be
fascinated when I hear the same explanation the sixth time. But I'm not sure
which approach is right. I either seem like I don't have many questions, or I
seem insincere if the interviewers compare notes.
Reply:
Your questions about the work might all be the same, but try framing the
questions to allow each interviewer to discuss his or her perspective about the
work. You'll learn a lot, and your questions will not seem gratuitous.
If you want to send an interviewer (or all eight of them) into rapturous
mental contractions, you need ask only one question:
"I'm curious. What brought you here to this job?"
People love to talk about themselves. When you encourage them to do that,
they'll feel closer to you, and they'll be more likely to judge you as a
"better" candidate because you let them talk about themselves.
"I'm curious. What have been the greatest challenges you've faced in
your own job?"
People also love to talk about their successes. Help them do that, and you
will learn a great deal. The more they talk, the more they'll perceive you as
being interested in their work. And that raises their estimation of you. This is
one of those fun facts from the world of psychology.
I'm not trying to teach you tricks�just a simple interpersonal skill. The
key, I believe, is to ask intelligent questions that keep the interview focused
on the work. Many intelligent questions about the work start out as questions
about the interviewer.
Best,
Nick Corcodilos
Ask The Headhunter�