How Should You Formulate Questions for the Job Interview? What Do You Really Need to Ask?

The job interview process is not designed to be a one way conservation, with the interview panel asking all the questions and the candidate giving a "yes", "no" or other single sentence response. Neither is it a good idea to mention how much you will be getting paid, until the appropriate time is opened up to negotiate. Let the interview panel bring up the issue, not you. Successful candidates take the time to interact as fully as possible. Even people who are naturally introverted in their characters can put in the effort and present the image that the interview panel are looking for in a successful job candidate. The following 5 questions are pertinent to the job interview.

1. How many people have held this position in the last two years?

If a number of people have held this job position in two years, this should send out a warning signal to you. A high turnover in just two years can mean that there were significant work-based factors that were not conducive to a good working environment. Perhaps the manager was hard to work for, employees were not receiving a good compensation package for their work, or a lawsuit was filed against the company. Any number of issues could explain a high turnover of staff. The reason may not always be negative. It could simply indicate that people moved away, or left the workforce after having a baby.

2. Could you describe a typical work day and the duties I would be expected to perform?

This is a great question and is always at the top of my list of questions to ask potential employers whenever I attend a job interview. It is a good way to become familiar with what you will be expected to do, the time you will be expected to be at work, the hours, daily duties and so forth. So spend some time with this question and see if this job will be a good fit for you. This question may actually help you decide that the job is not for you after all. I was in a situation similar to that once. As soon as I asked what my duties would include and the hours I would be expected to work, I met with a response that did not fit my needs. The interview panel and I mutually called the interview off and decided then and there that the job was not compatible for my specific requirements.

3. Will I need special training for this job?

The job may be an ideal choice for you, but there will be areas you will possibly need additional training for. On the job training can help to fill the gaps in your knowledge or help update what you already know. When you ask about training this will prove to the interview panel that you are serious about learning what the job entails and in making advancement. It will impress the panel if you mention your desire to receive additional training, so remember to mention it.

4. How will I receive feedback on my job performance?

If you show an interest in receiving feedback, this helps the interview panel see that you take your job role seriously and that you are concerned with your performance. A person who demonstrates a sincere interest in receiving feedback really wants to ensure that they are doing their job properly. It can also alert them to any areas that they need to work on. An employee who is made aware of any weaknesses can make improvement, and this is what the interview panel are looking for.

5. I want this job. Could I call next week to see whether you have reached a decision? What day and time would suit you?

The reason you are attending the job interview is because you want this job. Do not blow it at the last minute by not even mentioning that you want the job! It is so easy to do, but this question is often overlooked. Why would anyone want to offer you a job if you have not even expressed a desire for it? It makes sense to state that you want the job and to follow this up by asking when it would be appropriate to contact the company. Be proactive in this regard. Do not expect the job to just fall into your lap.

With plenty of planning and preparation, you can receive a job offer. Remember to display the right attitude. Do not sit in the interview room and just listen passively. Practice interacting with others and sit in front of the mirror and ask the questions, if this is a method that will work for you. Doing this will help you develop a more confident approach. When you are asked if you have any questions, reach into your portfolio, produce the questions and fire away. It is easy to forget what you want to mention when you are feeling nervous and self conscious. That is why writing them down in advance will help you remain composed during the job interview. The job can be yours if you do your part by formulating appropriate, thought provoking questions.