5 Critical Interview QuestionsYou Must Ask

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Kim MeningerExecutive Coach & Career StrategistKim@ExecutiveCareerSuccess.com

Be Prepared to Ask QuestionsYou know you need to ask questions during an interview.

• If you’re like most executives, however, you view this as a formality.

• You create a list of questions “for show,” but focus most of your interview prep on the interviewer’s questions.

Take Advantage of the Process• Most executives forget that

the interview is as much for them as it is for the employer.

• You’re not there simply to convince the hiring manager that you’re right for the role.

• Gather information that will help you assess the fit.

Present Yourself as the Best Candidate

• Asking questions allows you to better frame your responses to the interviewer’s questions.

• Use questions to clarify, gain additional context, and get a deeper sense of the hiring manager’s approach.

• This will help you present yourself as the best candidate for the role.

Which questions should you ask?

Here are 5 critical questions that youmust ask in every interview.

1. Why is this position open?

Before you step into a new role, understand the circumstances under which you’re being hired.

• Is this a new position in a growing group?

• Was the previous person fired for poor performance?

• Was the last person a rock star who was adored by all?

Why?

Each of these scenarios has important implications. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of:• The type of environment you’d be stepping

into• Any baggage associated with the position• Expectations of the person who takes the role

2. What keeps you up at night?This question provides you with important insights into the hiring manager and the group. • As he/she reveals frustrations and

challenges, you develop a deeper understanding of the problems facing your would-be organization.

• This is a great way to assess whether or not this is an environment you want to be part of.

Why?• This interview question allows you to strategically

position yourself as the solution to the challenges raised.

• As you learn more about the issues confronting the group, discuss specific ways in which you’ve successfully approached similar problems in the past.

• When you do, you’ll be much more memorable to the interviewer.

3. What is the criteria for success in this role?

• What qualities is he/she looking for in an employee?

• What goals are you expected to achieve in the short and long-term?

• Are those goals formally assigned?

Before you take a new role, you want to understand how the hiring manager defines success.

Why?You want to know how:• You’ll be measured.• The hiring manager, as well as the company,

evaluates its employees.• Feedback is communicated.– Is there a formal review process?

These questions not only allow you to understand their expectations, they also give you a window into their

management style, which can help you better evaluate the fit.

4. Do you have any reservationsabout my candidacy?

Many are afraid to ask this question for fear of how the interviewer will respond. But:

• It’s a powerful opportunity to gauge where you stand.

• With or without a candid response, his/her body language will reveal important information.

Many executives leave an interview believing that it went well without validating this.

• This is your opportunity to get early feedback.

Why?

• The question allows you to respond to any objections raised.

• Perhaps the hiring manager misunderstood one of your responses, or didn’t get a sufficient understanding of one of your skills. – If he/she provides concerns, you now have an

opportunity to:• Immediately address any objections • Reinforce your candidacy before you leave the room.

5. What are the next steps?

This may seem obvious, but many executives fail to ask what’s next.• Understand the next

steps before you leave the room.

Why?

• Knowing the timeline for next steps will help you understand the process.– You won’t be wondering when to expect a response.

• It also allows you to follow up appropriately if you don’t hear back within the timeframe provided.

Ask Powerful Questions

• Asking powerful interview questions helps you differentiate yourself from your competition.

• Because most executives treat interviews as an interrogation, rather than a two-way dialogue, your questions will help you shine.

• You’ll also gather important information to help you decide whether or not you want the position.

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Kim MeningerExecutive Coach & Career StrategistKim@ExecutiveCareerSuccess.com