5 rules for asking better interview questions
By Kate Lorenz on May 10, 2010 in Featured, Guest posts, Interviews
With the addition of 573,000 nonfarm payroll jobs since December, American workers are feeling more optimistic about their employment prospects. Those who had all but given up their job searches have started to re-enter the job market, which accounted for the rise in the unemployment rate in April despite the job growth.
Fewer job openings for job seekers also mean fewer interviews, and it’s possible your once-sharp interview skills are now out of shape due to lack of practice. Today we have a guest blog from John Kador, author of the new second edition of “301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview.” Practice these before your next interview.
Interview the interviewer: 5 rules for framing better questions
The landscape for job seekers today is more treacherous than at any time in recent memory. In other words, if you want a job today, you may actually have to work for it.
One way to really shine is by asking questions. Questions are the best way for you to demonstrate that you understand the company’s challenges, emphasize how you can help the company meet them, and show your interest in the most unmistakable manner possible — by actually asking for the position. These rules, excerpted from “301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview,” will help arm you with new interview questions and techniques for selling yourself and getting the job you want.
Here are five rules for framing questions that will put you in the best light.
1. Ask open-ended questions.
Closed-ended questions can be answered “yes” or “no,” and begin with words such as “did,” “have,” “do,” “would” and “are.” Open-ended questions — which usually begin with “how,” “when” and “who” — create opportunities for a conversation and a much richer exchange of information.
This is a closed question:
Candidate: Does the company have a child-care center on-site?
Interviewer: Yes.
Open-ended question:
Candidate: How does the company support working parents?
Interviewer: Let me show you a brochure about our award-winning day care center located right here in the building. Working Woman magazine recently rated it one of the top 10 corporate day care centers in the U.S.
2. Keep it short
Nothing is as disconcerting as a candidate spewing out a long, complicated question only to have the interviewer look confused and say, “I’m sorry I don’t understand your question.” Restrict every question to one point. Resist mouthfuls like this:
I know that international sales are important, so how much of the company’s revenues are derived from overseas, is that percentage growing, declining or stable, do international tariffs present difficulties, and how will currency fluctuations impact the mix?
No interviewer should be expected to take on such a complicated question. If you really think a conversation about these points is in your interest, indicate your interest in the issue and then break the question into separate queries.
3. Don’t interrupt
Wait for the interviewer to finish the question. One candidate reported the following exchange:
Hiring manager: I see by your résumé that you’ve had six systems analyst jobs in six years . . .
Candidate [interrupting]: . . . And you want me to explain the job-hopping, right?
Hiring manager: Actually, I was going to ask what’s one new skill you took away from each job. But since you mentioned job-hopping, I am concerned about your ability to stick with one employer for more than year.
Oops. Better to wait for the full question. How much better it would have been for the above candidate:
Hiring manager: I see by your résumé that you’ve had six systems analyst jobs in six years. Can you mention one specific skill you took away from each experience?
Candidate: Good question. Let’s take my jobs in order . . .
4. Getting to yes
Your goal in the job interview is also to end the interview on an affirmation. In fact, the more yeses and statements of agreement you can generate, the better off you will be. Why? People, including job interviewers, really prefer being agreeable. Few people enjoy saying no. Who needs arguments? The best way to avoid arguments is to say yes.
If the job interview features wave after wave of yeses, think how much easier it will be for the interviewer to say yes to that last question, whether it’s asked explicitly or implicitly:
I think I’ve demonstrated I’m qualified for this job. I’d very much like to join the team. Can we come to an agreement?
In tactical terms, that means framing your interview questions so the answers you want or expect will be positive:
Candidate: I have long been impressed by Acme Widgets. It’s been the leader in pneumatic widgets for over 50 years, right?
Interviewer: (proudly) Yes!
Candidate: I noticed in the current annual report that the company sets aside $50 million, or 2.5 percent of revenues, for research and development. That’s more than all of your competitors, isn’t it?
Interviewer: Yes. We lead the industry in allocation of R&D by revenue.
Candidate: As the market for widgets gets more commoditized, we will have to differentiate the product, right? What specifically is the company doing to preserve the market share it has gained over the years?
5. Use inclusive language
Look at the last dialogue again. Did you notice that the candidate subtly shifted from “you” to “we”? Words such as “we” and “our” subtly give the impression that the candidate is already a member of the team. The more comfortable the interviewer is with the concept of the candidate already being on the team, the better the candidate’s chances. It’s so much easier extending a job offer to someone who the interviewer on some level already perceives as part of “us” instead of “them.”
John Kador is the author of the new second edition of “301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview” (McGraw-Hill, 2010). He can be reached at jkador@jkador.com.
A Noun | May 10, 2010
A watermarked photo from iStockphoto? What, you couldn’t afford the $2 for the license?
Barbara Saunders | May 10, 2010
Do people actually worry about “job hopping” these days. I note that some of my younger LinkedIn connections (I’m in my 40s; I’m referring to people in their 30s) seem to change jobs every six months – with seemingly higher-level positions each time. The phrase “meteoric rise” comes to mind. Stagnation, staying in the same role for years on end, seems more of a negative than job hopping these days.
Auto Parts Mall | May 11, 2010
Very good advice, also look around their office see what their interest is, perhaps golf or kids soccer, whatever and try to start a conversation over it.
Job & Resume posting, just click on auto parts mall
Nora | May 11, 2010
what kind of questions should you ask after the interview is done? because they always ask do you have any questions and i don’t have any should i ask and what it say
Lauren | May 11, 2010
I completely agree! Someone screwed up, and why don’t you have people that check these things and make edits? A silly mistake like that really lessens how seriously I take a company.
Andrea | May 11, 2010
I have an interveiw tomorrow? Should I ask questions I already know the answer to? When they ask “Why should I hire you? Is it ok to say,If you dont your competitor will?
Michael | May 12, 2010
The last 2 interviews I have had, when I have told and asked the hiring/store managers if my seizures would be an issue with them, they have said “of course not.” But I have seen the look on their face change. And then 1-2 weeks later I get a letter or email saying thanks but you are not the one for us. Should I have not even told them about my disability unless they hire me?
expatinasia | May 16, 2010
“should I have not even told them about my disability unless they hire me?”
Of course not. It’s hard to believe that this is a serious question.
Jorgen Sundberg | May 17, 2010
Good points John, lots of people have no idea what to ask in interviews. Just a little practice can go a long way in the meeting. Thanks for sharing that.
Maggie Gleason | May 17, 2010
I am in my late 50′s and wonder how I can convince a potential employer that I am a good candidate for the long term?
David S. Cohen | May 18, 2010
Interesting about open ended questions but the How as the first word makes it closed. A better question would be ‘Share with me examples of the company policy regarding working parents based on current employees” Follow that up with “That sounds outstanding I would really like to follow up with speaking with one of the people from the examples you provided. A common mistake is the 5W’s of Journalism make for closed ended or short answer questions. Open ended question grammatically are interrogative statement (ending in a period) and are not actually questions. See the book I wrote on interviewing for interviewers but worth a ready by those who wish to understand the behavioural interview: • The Talent Edge: A Behavioral Approach to Hiring, Developing, and Keeping Top Performers (John Wiley and Sons, August, 2001)
interview questions | Jun 4, 2010
very good interview questions and answers to prepare for a good interview.
interviewquestions
Tee | Jun 22, 2010
In reality – the real world – it’s all about personality! If they don’t like you, you won’t get the job. Really nothing you can do about that. Just prepare, try and not be so nervous and answer their questions without hesitations. Don’t shift your eyes or look to the floor for answers.
Julie Addiss | Jun 22, 2010
I have been told to always finish the interview saying “Do you have any concerns about me in this position that I could address?” If they say, no, that’s great. If they give a concern, you now have an opportunity to explain yourself better or explain how you are working on that, etc. It gives you a second chance before you walk out of the interview.
Erin | Jun 22, 2010
I would not ask about your medical condition until being offered the job. At that point I would not state it as a question but just inform them of your condition.
Darlene | Jun 22, 2010
The interviews I have had are positions I would love to have, but I want to know why are companies asking for date of birth when it is illegal? I have had this when signing for background information data and taking a test before I start. I feel like I am not getting offers because of my age. If you leave it blank and they have your SS that should be sufficient right?
Lucy | Jun 22, 2010
Maggie,
You said it best yourself – you ARE a good candidate for ‘the long run’ because you are from the generation that was raised to be responsible, reliable and to stay with a job even when it lost its luster. As Barbara mentioned, younger people tend to job-hop to find something ‘worthy’ of themselves or something they really want to do. Some employers want the youngsters, perceiving them are more trainable and cheaper, but I’ve found that employers also want people who will not walk out after a year or two. Good luck to you.
ltr08 | Jun 22, 2010
Nora,
I am recruiter, have been for 20+ years. I teach the people to ask a “behavior based question” of the interviewer relevent to the position. (there are tons of examples on line. )
Never ever ask a “me” question…
Think of the intervew process like a pendulum at the beginning it is ALL about the companies need. As such, everything you say needs to link your exp to that need. Additionally the best way to answer questions is by relaying stories from your past behavior a good format to phrase these answers is to outline the Circumstance/situation – what Actions you took – and then the Results. before you even go on the interview write down some C.A.R responses to common questions – you will see a dramatic difference in your interviews.
anyway…it is imperative that it is the company that makes the shift of the pendulum toward your needs…When they do…you’ll know they are interested
Nwachukwu Faith Chigemezu | Jun 22, 2010
I like ur program!!! keep it up. and i will like to be one of your subcriber
Nwachukwu Faith Chigemezu | Jun 22, 2010
I like your program. please keep it up ok. and i wiill like to be one of ur subscriber
Cindy | Jun 22, 2010
In an “ideal” world where all people love and support each other this would not be an issue. But what we have here is a world of “reality” and employers would not want this responsibility. There’s a huge difference between what the EEOE statement says and what really happens. There’s also a huge difference between what you’ll have said to your face and behind your back. I’d keep it quiet, because it’s easier to prove discrimination if they fire you for your seizures than it is to prove discrimination for not hiring you.
Steve | Jun 22, 2010
Age is typically required to verify that you are of legal working age (18 or 21 depending on the position). Not typically for any other reason. Another thing to consider is that the person interviewing you has likely NOT had any formal training in finding, interviewing, or hiring talent. In many cases actually, people surround themselves with people who they can relate to and not always the best candidate for the job opening. That is why it is important to ask questions during the interview and find out a little bit about the history of the persons you’ll be working for and express your interest in furthering your career.
patty | Jun 22, 2010
@Nora: Ask about what a typical day in the position will be like. or some other question that allows them to tell you more about the position. We just wrapped up a round of interviews and that was a common question, one we appreciated. You don’t want to ask questions that are all about you. The interviewers are focused on their needs. The more you can show yourself as meeting their needs, the better. For the first interview, anyway, the questions should be about the job description, balance of duties, etc.
We recently had someone ask the “What reservations do you have about hiring me?” question, which was really powerful. The entire committee was taken aback–in a good way. It showed guts and confidence. The flip-side of it is that it raised some negatives. We ended up talking about our reservations, but the candidate answered well and got the job, actually. I recommend it if you think you are a good fit for the job—like a really good fit. If you have things you want to hide or gloss over, skip it.
@Maggie– Age doesn’t matter. (or doesn’t where I am, anyway). We brought in a wide range of ages for interviews, recently. The key is figuring out what the employer wants and deciding if you have what they want. One caution. I don’t know your history, but if you previously held an upper-level job and you are now looking at a variety of jobs, be aware of your tone. Do you sound like someone who is used to being the boss? If you are looking to take a job that is more junior and part of a team, be sure to tone down anythying that could raise questions about your ability to be a team player. It’s all about fit.
Danofive0 | Jun 22, 2010
Sorry, none of this will help you out. With the Zero Jobs. And the Osball Nation.
If you ask this Crap. Out the door you go…..
Margo | Jun 22, 2010
You should never tell an interviewer about a disability on a first interview. Also, they are legally not allowed to ask about such a thing. (Only if it is something visible will they know before a decision is made.) It’s the same sort of thing as age, race, gender, etc. If you are hired for the job, it’s up to you to let them know -or not – about the condition. I have been in the position where I’ve felt I should tell my supervisor after the work has begun. My seizures are infrequent and generally occur outside of work hours (and, unfortunately, I have no warnings); my bosses have been quite “generous.”
Danofive0 | Jun 22, 2010
And thank the good Lord. I am Retired. Looking for a Job now is Crap! And all they ask and want. Dream on… It is like.What Color are you. Can you speek this and that?
Not English any more.
Can you work 60 70 Hrs a week. Take more your work?
Can you, Can you, can you. I say hell no!
And really you can keep it…..
Robert | Jun 22, 2010
Why does everyone have to have lofty career ambitions? My late father was an elementary administrator for 15 years at the same school, all on 1 year contracts. He always asked for the vote, it was always 6-0. Another man worked at the feed mill, he brought your bags of feed to you after you paid for them. He retired from the same job that he started.
In my last job, I was hired on as a route salesman, and the only thing I wanted to do besides that, was part time merchandising when it became available. Had to continually put up with new hires who were trying to advance, had to intervene personally with management in a couple of cases to insure that the incompetents did not become bosses.
FissileMissile | Jun 22, 2010
@Andrea.
I would never say that the competitor will hire you if they don’t. That sounds cocky and like an ultimatum. What I say are things like “Aside from my qualifications, this company is really exciting and when I get excited about an opportunity like this, I become driven to exceed.” I would say anything that makes them sound like it’s a dream to work for that company or to do what they’re providing for their customers. Or you can say that the work environment is the type that you’ve been looking for and that type of environment promotes the best in you. Don’t bring up another company unless they are a former employer or if you are negotiating your salary and another company made a better offer.
Nora | Jun 22, 2010
I will be interviewing people tomorrow, and I must say, if you came into my office determined to interview me instead of letting me interview you, if you forced me into a lot of “yes” answered questions, and if you asked me about my kid’s photo on my desk, I would dislike being manipulated and would tend to distrust you. Instead, try to be like Tee said: be a nice person, be polite and confident (not obnoxious) with your potential boss, and listen to what is being said. Prepare ahead of time, so that you know about the company and the position. Think of a few key points that you would like to bring up in conversation, then just relax. Most bosses are people, too. A good interview should be a good conversation.
Howard | Jun 22, 2010
Here you go
Drew | Jun 22, 2010
Is John Kador half retarded? I’m apalled by his stupidity in this article. First of all, the article starts with this: “With the addition of 573,000 nonfarm payroll jobs since December, American workers are feeling more optimistic about their employment prospects. Those who had all but given up their job searches have started to re-enter the job market, which accounted for the rise in the unemployment rate in April despite the job growth.” Yeah, ok. Sure. Those “jobs” are because the calendar got around to being summertime, and minumum wage at the local lake selling ice cream for 2 months classifies as a “created job” according to the Obama Administration. Most imortantly, these great words of advice from Mr. Kador are important if you’re applying for one of these said jobs. If you’re applying for an actual job on a professional level with a real career in miind, I’d do some further research.
joe | Jun 22, 2010
I never know exactly which questions to ask because sometimes there really are none. I also don’t know if my questions are appropriate or not but I’ve decided to ask open ended questions about training and so forth that the hiring company may want me to accomplish. Unfortunately I haven’t been hired yet but these types of questions seem to be getting me further into the interview process. About the editing…I’m a chef but am increasingly thinking about changing my career to editor. I’m constantly being advised to proofread my resume for spelling and grammatical errors yet every article I read about how to land a job contains 1 or several more of these mistakes. What gives?
Heather | Jun 22, 2010
Darlene–actually asking for a date of birth is not illegal. Employers need it when doing a background check and social security check–to make sure the social security number matches your name and date of birth. Otherwise, you might not be who you say you are. I have to do this at my job all the time. I’ve had people use stolen social security numbers!
JACK | Jun 22, 2010
have a interview tomorrow and its for a electrical contractor.what are some questions i can ask him with total confidence?i havn’t worked in this field for 15 years.
Clint | Jun 22, 2010
As an older interviewee, usually with more experience than the interviewer, how does one avoid appearing as a threat the interviewer?
M | Jun 22, 2010
Print friendly without the blog and advertisements would have been real nice.
factwatcher | Jun 22, 2010
actually, the sentence you provided was an imperative sentence. interrogative sentences always end in a question mark. Commands are imperative, and your sentence was a command.
ire | Jun 22, 2010
In a world where one has to compete with botox, breast implants, nosejobs etc., how does one get paid for merit ? … the fake boobs and blubber lips always get the job – then these bimbos “delegate” …”the boss wants you to do this or that right away…etc. etc..” any room for values and making money the old fashioned way – thru hard work… Looking for honest pay for honest work….
Dave | Jun 22, 2010
You definately need to have at least three questions in your hip pocket. Many websites give you tips in this regard…just google it. The questions need to be open questions about the company or the position you are applying for; example: How did this position become available? (was the person promoted/fired???
jolie | Jun 22, 2010
Cindy – you so nailed it!!!! Heck, You should be a recruiter.
Dilshad | Jun 22, 2010
someone help I cant find a job! my email dilshad40@hotmail.com
branlee | Jun 22, 2010
You focused on the fact they have a watermarked photo? Does that really somehow diminish the content of the article? I guess bravo for attention to detail, but now if we can work on focus….
Becky | Jun 22, 2010
I have learned never to offer any more health related info than you have to. It will be used against you, even subconsciously by the interviewer/potential boss. I am hard of hearing and have diabetes, and I have seen the ‘look’ on the faces of interviewees when they realize I have a hearing disability. I cannot even begin to quote the statements that have been made to me, all against discrimination laws, but they still come out. If you do get hired, everything you do, especially mistakes, will be seen in the light of your ‘disability’.
Lewis | Jun 22, 2010
These 5 rules are very important for me.Good idea .
Mark | Jun 22, 2010
Andrea:
As a longtime hiring executive, I believe absolutely that you are fine making that statement. However, be careful how you make it, in terms of tone. I would deliver that message with humor, to insure that it is not perceived as mercenary by the interviewer. No one wants to call someone in for an interview and have their competitors thrown in their face. Using a little humor, you will convey the confidence that you intend, without the risk of offending.
Good luck!
topgun | Jun 22, 2010
No, it is NOT OK to answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” with the response, “If you don’t, your competitor will.” First of all, it’s unoriginal; second, if it were true, you’d already have a job. It’s best to be prepared to answer the question (since you know it’ll be asked) by doing a self-assessment prior to your interview. Ask yourself such questions as: What skills and experience can I bring to the position that are UNIQUE (not the same things that everyone else will also be offering) and beneficial? What contributions did I make in other positions that had a significant positive impact? Can I bring new perspective to the position that would enhance my level of performance beyond what would be expected? When you answer theses types of questions, you indicate to the interviewer that not the “same old same old,” and that you’re forward thinking.
Renan | Jun 22, 2010
Hello! I really like about this text. I’m a brazilian men and I will use this strategy in my next job interview! Thank’s Kate Lorenz, it’s a great tips!
Victoria | Jun 22, 2010
Michael,
You do not have to disclose that information during an interview, and shouldn’t. the fact that you haven’t been hired might not have anything to do with it…it might be something like they are put off by your full disclosure so early.
Fiorella | Jun 22, 2010
Hi, I quit my job because i did not like the job I was assigned to do it. I hurt my arm working and they sent me to another area. Instead of going up i felt like i was going down. All the recruters ask me the same question”why you quit ? how should i answer?? pls i need your help.
Cathy | Jun 23, 2010
Darlene – I notice that they can be subtle about the age thing by requiring you to put down the year you graduated from high school. Add 17 or 18 years to that, and they have your age. With all the required fields on online applications you cannot proceed without an answer. They can claim that they did not ask your age, but you know they have by asking for that information rather than just asking if you graduated from high school.
Ceeps | Jun 23, 2010
They require your date of birth and social to run a proper background and/or credit check.
Brian | Jun 23, 2010
You cannot diliberately hide information that may hamper your ability to perform your duties in your job. However an employer cannot ask you specifically about any disablilties you may have. They can ask you if you feel you have any reason why you cannot do your assigned duties to which you can reply no if there is no legitimate reason your seizures would cause you to not be able to do your job.
It is kinda a catch 22, they can’t say something like “do you have seizures” but they can say “are there any reasons you cannot fulfill all the tasks required of you” to which you should not lie.