8 answers
Corrine
Student
Joliet, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
1820 views
How to ask three informational questions during an interview
How to ask questions during an interview?
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8 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I use a technique called Present, Past, Future! In this process, you always have three questions ready to go (works for interviews, networking, selling and more)!
Present: I know you shared “x” about the position, I’d love to know more about the weekly expectations or *fill in the blank*
Past: I’d love to know more about the work that has been done in the past and what your team appreciated about the work and what obstacles may have existed.
Future: If things were to proceed, what would success look like in 3 months or 6 months?
With these three questions, you can dig deeper and always be prepared. Hope this helps!
Present: I know you shared “x” about the position, I’d love to know more about the weekly expectations or *fill in the blank*
Past: I’d love to know more about the work that has been done in the past and what your team appreciated about the work and what obstacles may have existed.
Future: If things were to proceed, what would success look like in 3 months or 6 months?
With these three questions, you can dig deeper and always be prepared. Hope this helps!
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
187
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Corrine!
I would encourage you to do research on the company. That will enable you to be knowledgeable about the company when the interviewer ask you questions. Also, by knowing information on the company it will let you ask strategic questions to whoever is interviewing you. I know its difficult but do your best to stay cool and think about the answers you give before blurting out something. Always have copies of your resume with you and ensure you dress professional for your interview. Even if the company has a pretty chill dress code dressing professional will make you stand out from the competition.
From someone who has interviewed hundreds of people at multiple companies (used to be in HR) I can't tell you how much the above items stood out. Individuals just being knowledgeable about our company displayed that the person being interviewed did their homework and really wanted this position. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions at the end. This always showed me that the person had interest in helping our company grow.
I hope some of these tips help and good luck!
I would encourage you to do research on the company. That will enable you to be knowledgeable about the company when the interviewer ask you questions. Also, by knowing information on the company it will let you ask strategic questions to whoever is interviewing you. I know its difficult but do your best to stay cool and think about the answers you give before blurting out something. Always have copies of your resume with you and ensure you dress professional for your interview. Even if the company has a pretty chill dress code dressing professional will make you stand out from the competition.
From someone who has interviewed hundreds of people at multiple companies (used to be in HR) I can't tell you how much the above items stood out. Individuals just being knowledgeable about our company displayed that the person being interviewed did their homework and really wanted this position. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions at the end. This always showed me that the person had interest in helping our company grow.
I hope some of these tips help and good luck!
Henrique Franco
Business Planning Manager
6
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Henrique’s Answer
Hello Corrine. It's a great idea to delve into the company's background and operations before your meeting. This will not only provide you with a deeper understanding but also help you formulate any queries you might have regarding their work.
Next, it would be beneficial to inquire about the reason behind the job vacancy. Was it because the previous employee climbed up the career ladder, is it a result of the company's growth, or did the former employee part ways with the company?
Finally, don't hesitate to ask for suggestions on what material or information you should familiarize yourself with before your first day at work. This will show your eagerness to learn and adapt, which is always appreciated.
Next, it would be beneficial to inquire about the reason behind the job vacancy. Was it because the previous employee climbed up the career ladder, is it a result of the company's growth, or did the former employee part ways with the company?
Finally, don't hesitate to ask for suggestions on what material or information you should familiarize yourself with before your first day at work. This will show your eagerness to learn and adapt, which is always appreciated.
ShaRon Bynum
Program Manager
31
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
ShaRon’s Answer
Corrine,
Great question! When I am preparing for an interview, I ALWAYS research both the company and anyone I will be speaking to. This is a great way to find out more about the company AND determine what things you want to get more information on. FOR THE COMPANY: go to their website and look at what they are doing in the field that sets them apart from others. Check the search engines using the company names and see what comes up. Between those two sources you are bound to find a few questions related to the company's future and product offerings that will interest you and that you wish to explore during your conversation. FOR THE PEOPLE: LinkedIn is a great source to find resumes on the individual(s) you will speak to. You can find some mutual interest that you share, which is a great to build a personal connection. You can see how their career progressed and be able to ask for insight that can help you on your journey. These things will help you develop a rapport with the interviewer(s) and show that you know about the company you are interested in and them professionally. Questions related to their management style and what the people working for them now would say if asked, are good to have in your lineup.
I would encourage you to take notes as they speak, because just as they are interviewing you, YOU ARE INTERVIEWING THEM! Based on how the discussion goes, you have to determine if the company and people are a good fit for you! Take note of how they dress and interact with people around you. Do they look happy to be there? Do they plan to stay with with company? Is there room for advancement? How do they invest in their most valuable asset- their people? Jobs are more than just about the amount of money you will be paid. The work environment is very important because you do not want to be miserable for whatever time you will be working. Corporate culture is not just a buzz word. You have to know that your mental health will not be compromised by working for any employer. When you think about it that way, you have a vested interest in information gathering so you can make the best decision for YOU!
Good Luck!
ShaRon Bynum
Great question! When I am preparing for an interview, I ALWAYS research both the company and anyone I will be speaking to. This is a great way to find out more about the company AND determine what things you want to get more information on. FOR THE COMPANY: go to their website and look at what they are doing in the field that sets them apart from others. Check the search engines using the company names and see what comes up. Between those two sources you are bound to find a few questions related to the company's future and product offerings that will interest you and that you wish to explore during your conversation. FOR THE PEOPLE: LinkedIn is a great source to find resumes on the individual(s) you will speak to. You can find some mutual interest that you share, which is a great to build a personal connection. You can see how their career progressed and be able to ask for insight that can help you on your journey. These things will help you develop a rapport with the interviewer(s) and show that you know about the company you are interested in and them professionally. Questions related to their management style and what the people working for them now would say if asked, are good to have in your lineup.
I would encourage you to take notes as they speak, because just as they are interviewing you, YOU ARE INTERVIEWING THEM! Based on how the discussion goes, you have to determine if the company and people are a good fit for you! Take note of how they dress and interact with people around you. Do they look happy to be there? Do they plan to stay with with company? Is there room for advancement? How do they invest in their most valuable asset- their people? Jobs are more than just about the amount of money you will be paid. The work environment is very important because you do not want to be miserable for whatever time you will be working. Corporate culture is not just a buzz word. You have to know that your mental health will not be compromised by working for any employer. When you think about it that way, you have a vested interest in information gathering so you can make the best decision for YOU!
Good Luck!
ShaRon Bynum
Doris Hu
Sr. Director of Sales Operations
20
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Doris’s Answer
When your interview is drawing to a close, you'll usually have an opportunity to pose your own questions. Here's how to make the most of it:
- Get to know your interviewer beforehand: Doing a bit of homework on the person interviewing you can help tailor your questions to their expertise and role. This not only makes your questions more relevant but also highlights your proactiveness.
- Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking straightforward questions that elicit simple, factual answers, try to ask questions that prompt a more detailed response. For example, instead of asking "how many people are on the team," you could ask "how is the team structured?" This approach is likely to yield more insightful answers.
- Get to know your interviewer beforehand: Doing a bit of homework on the person interviewing you can help tailor your questions to their expertise and role. This not only makes your questions more relevant but also highlights your proactiveness.
- Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking straightforward questions that elicit simple, factual answers, try to ask questions that prompt a more detailed response. For example, instead of asking "how many people are on the team," you could ask "how is the team structured?" This approach is likely to yield more insightful answers.
Susana Aviles
Customer Service
2
Answers
Temecula, California
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Here are some examples:
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Can you tell me about what led up to earning your current position?
What are the most vital steps someone should take to prepare for a role like yours?
What accomplishments do you feel set you apart in this industry?
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Can you tell me about what led up to earning your current position?
What are the most vital steps someone should take to prepare for a role like yours?
What accomplishments do you feel set you apart in this industry?
Yaz M
Recruit
50
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
Towards the end of an interview would be the best time!
Interviewers like when you have questions because it shows interest, so make sure you have them prepared beforehand!
Questions can range from day-to-day responsibilities, to learning more about the company or even learning more about what the interviewer likes about their company.
Some example questions can be :
(For Interviewer)
When did you start working with this company?
How long have you been in your current role?
What do you like best about working here?
(Job Specific)
Can you elaborate on the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
What are the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
Interviewers like when you have questions because it shows interest, so make sure you have them prepared beforehand!
Questions can range from day-to-day responsibilities, to learning more about the company or even learning more about what the interviewer likes about their company.
Some example questions can be :
(For Interviewer)
When did you start working with this company?
How long have you been in your current role?
What do you like best about working here?
(Job Specific)
Can you elaborate on the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
What are the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
When I'm being interviewed, I like to engage by asking insightful questions. First, I'd inquire about the company's vision and how my role fits into it, showing my commitment. Second, I'd ask about opportunities for growth, both personally and within the company, given my background. Lastly, I'd want to know more about the team dynamics and what qualities they value in their employees, aligning my strengths with their expectations. It's all about showing genuine interest and finding the best fit for both sides.