Article for Cynopsis email newsletter FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A JOB INTERVIEW By Mark Levine Asking savvy questions is the best, and sometimes only way for an interviewee to exert some control over the process. Cloaking efforts at steering the discussion in the garb of inquiries lets you remain the supplicant as interview etiquette requires yet still create opportunities to make your best case. Here are five questions you should try your best to ask in any job interview: HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SUCCESS FOR THE HOLDER OF THIS POSITION? By expanding the discussion of the ideal candidate beyond just skills and experience and into outcomes and results you shift from objective factors, which may or may not help, to things you can define yourself, such as your past achievements. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THIS PERSON TO DO FOR YOU? This is a great question to ask if being interviewed by the individual to whom you may directly report. Bosses don’t really want subordinates who are successful; they want subordinates who help them succeed. Asking this signals your willingness to serve his or her interests and provides insight into what your real job would involve. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE OF THIS COMPANY? This is the alternative to the previous question for when you’re being interviewed by an HR person whose real goal is to find someone who will “fit in.” Once you get an answer you’ll be able to cast yourself as the perfect company man or woman. WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPAL PROBLEMS THE COMPANY IS CURRENTLY FACING? Show you’re a natural born problem solver who just so happens to have the cures to the organization’s immediate ailments. WHAT ARE ISSUES YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CONFRONTING IN THE NEAR FUTURE? Not only are you answer to the company’s short-term needs, but you’re also a visionary who’ll be an asset for years to come.
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