Ask the Experts:
Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

Question:

At the end of interviews, I'm usually asked if I have any questions. What do I ask them?

First Answer:

I've probably lost a number of job opportunities because of the inept way I used to handle this question. Maybe it's because I was blessed/cursed with interviewers who didn't ask very many questions during the interview and instead explained the prospective job in great detail. Thus, when I was asked if I had any questions, I often had little choice but to say, "No, you've covered everything very nicely." Even if the interviewer HAS covered everything, answering "no" to this common interview question is a big mistake.

Asking questions in an interview demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the job. It's that plain and simple.

Go into interviews armed with intelligent questions. If you're creative, you can come up with questions that weren't already covered in the interview. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, so you usually can't go wrong by asking the interviewer about his or her personal experience with the hiring company. Why did he or she choose to work here? What does he or she like about it? What has been his or her career progression with the company.

You can find some more good questions to ask here http://www.quintcareers.com/asking_interview_questions.html.

Also keep in mind what questions NOT to ask:

• Me-first questions: What you can do for me instead do what I can do for you. Examples: Questions about benefits, salary, and vacation time.
• Questions that reveal weaknesses. (Will I have to meet a lot of deadlines?)
• Questions asked in a confrontational tone.
• Questions whose answers could have been easily found earlier if you had properly researched the company or that demonstrate that you failed to listen to earlier information.

Finally, three very important questions to ask:

• Do you have any reservations about my qualifications for this job? Asking this question is a preemptory strike that enables you to address any concerns the interviewer might have.
• When do you expect to make a decision? This question will guide your schedule for following up with the employer.
• If I'm a finalist for the position, what's the next step in the process? (if not already answered in the response to the previous question). Here you can clarify next steps, such as further rounds of interviews.

-- Katharine Hansen, former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for the Web site, Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and prepares job-search correspondence as chief writer for Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters

Second Answer:

Now this is your time to shine. Your chance to show that you can take initiative and that you are sincerely interested in this opportunity and this person who is interviewing you. Take your lead from the contents of your discussion. Expand on a point you feel comfortable exploring in greater depth. If you have any questions that weren't covered earlier, ask them, If you can show rapport by mentioning something you have in common with the interviewer, go ahead and talk a little trying to get them to tell you more about what they enjoy about working at their company. The most important thing is to leave the appointment on an upbeat note, very positive and friendly with lots of enthusiasm if you want to proceed forward in the hiring process.

Oh, and don't forget to ask what is the next step--when you will hear from them again, who you will be meeting , what they might tell you to help the next interview go well, etc.!

-- Debra Feldman, founder of JobWhiz, creator of the JOBWHIZQUIZ, and specialist in cyber savvy strategic job search consultations

Third Answer:

It is always a good idea to come prepared with questions. If you have no questions about anything that was said in the interview, here are a list of general questions that you might consider:

• If I were to be offered this position, what would be the biggest challenge I would face?
• Where do you see your business/office in three years from now?
• What are the promotional opportunities for this position?
• What are the three most important qualifications that a candidate must possess to be hired for this job?

Stay away from questions about benefits and salary during the initial interview.

-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College

Fourth Answer:

Actually, I'm shocked to read this. Maybe you need to ask yourself whether you're just going through the motions when it comes to some interviews - and the extent to which you really, really want the job. Because if you did, you'd be fired up with questions to ask - or maybe you've just been lucky to be interviewed by folks who explain every nuance of the work you're likely to be doing?

Frankly, if you've done your homework with respect to the employers you're being interviewed by, have taken the time to understand what it is you want out of work and have some sort of idea what kind of relationship you require from future employers, you'd have no difficulty coming up with questions. As it is, in my view, this is not a query you should be directing to others. Everything depends on the unique circumstances and what feels authentic to you.

Think about this in advance of your interviews - it's a great problem solving and thinking skills challenge - and be prepared to ask relevant, intelligent questions that you've come up with yourself.

-- Liz Simpson, motivational speaker, workshop leader, author, journalist, and forum panelist

Fifth Answer:

Congratulations - you've made it through the interview, now how to end? When the question " Do you have any questions" is posed that is the indication that the interview is wrapping up and your chance to leave with a good impression. These are the last words you will have, so make them count by highlighting your strengths and exhibiting your enthusiasm. Remember that the goal of an interview is to get a job offer. Here are some ideas:

• Use this as a time to point out any strengths relevant to the job not yet addressed, "I think that my education/experience will enable me to contribute to.
• Review the job requirements and point out how they directly match your skills.
• Let your commitment level show by asking, "What role do you see me in six months from now, a year from now, 5 years from now?"
• This is your chance to show you paid attention, understood the interviewers comments and priorities, "I understand that project X is your number one priority. My background will certainly provide the skills needed to make this a success for your major account." Or, "I understand that the first major projects are (1,2,3). I would love to work on that, what role do you see me playing?"
• See what's next, "I am very excited about this opportunity and the contributions I can make. It's my understanding the decision will be made by the end of the month, what can I do in the meantime to assure I get the job?"
• Clarify the names and spelling of all you meet so you can send each interviewer a handwritten thank you, "I enjoyed meeting your colleagues/staff, could you please give me the correct spelling of their names?"
• "Is this a good time to schedule our next meeting?" "Is this a good time to schedule the meeting with the rest of the team?"
• "I know this is a job I can do and that I can quickly start meeting the goals you've outlined. Is there anything else I can clarify for you to help you feel the same way?"
• Rarely are job offers made at the end of the interview - so do not get discouraged. To keep the lines of communication open ask, "What would the next step be?" or "When will we speak again?" or "When will I know your decision?"

This is not the time to discuss benefits, vacation, or negotiate salary - wait until you have the offer before you ask what the company can/will do for you.

The next best thing to do to remain fresh in the interviewer's mind is a thank you letter. (See the database for information on thank you/follow-up letters). Make sure you send a letter to each person that interviewed you within 24 hours.

If you are still wondering, work with a professional coach who can guide you through the process easier and faster. I am offering a 20% discount on one month of coaching to anyone who mentions this article.

-- Janine A. Schindler, Professional Coach and owner of the Jas Coaching Company

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