Job interviews usually get the best out of people. When facing interviews, it's difficult to keep calm and smile knowing that your life is about to change. This moment in every person's life is quite often crucial. If you fail at this moment, you will have to go through the same, long, tedious process of job searching all over again.
However, you can turn your failures into your own path stones to greener pastures. As they say, when one door closes, surely another one opens. But how can you come back from a botched interview? Try asking some of these bold questions so your interviewer will remember you!
Many applicants fail to ask hard-hitting, bold questions during job interviews — out of fear that they might look incompetent or less confident. However, you should always ask questions. Interviews are supposed to be a two-way conversation.
1. Why is this job position available? How many people have handled this role?
Asking and learning about the job role’s backstory is not something most job seekers ask during an interview. Finding out why the job you are applying for is available will give you so many insights that you can use to learn more about the company. Without sounding so nosy, try to ask about the number of people who have handled the job position and how long they were able to fulfill their responsibilities.
Listen carefully to what they say and take note of it. If there have been many people who have handled the role and they only stayed in the company for a year or less, take caution. Chances are, the company may not be a great place to work. Alternatively, if the reason the job is vacant is that the person who handled it has been promoted, then take it as a good sign! It means the company values its employees and rewards them for their hard work. Therefore, asking these bold questions is worthwhile.
2. How many hours do you expect your employees to work?
Not a lot of people are bold enough to raise this question. But if you do, you’ll be able to know if your “soon-to-be” working schedule is right for you. Try asking this but remember not to sound like you are not up for changes in schedules or overtime.
Although changes and adjustments are normal, make sure this won’t affect your life negatively. You may be a parent who has children as one of your top priorities and erratic schedules may make it difficult to deal with familial matters.
3. What attributes would the perfect candidate for this job have?
If you ask this, some interviewers will be more open than others. They might share attributes and qualities such as ‘committed’, ‘loyal’, ‘determined’ and flexible.’ If they do, you can modify and tailor your answers to meet their conditions. This helps you get a clear vision of what the employer is looking for.
4. Can you tell me about the company’s goals and plans in the future?
Information on the employers of the company can be found on many internet websites. So, you should do your research beforehand. During the interview, mention the company’s future plans and goals to demonstrate your flaming desire to fill the position. Remember that the answer to the question will give you a good idea of where the employer is directed. However, don't forget to clue them in on your knowledge of the company.
5. Based on my resume and interview, is there anything that may make you think I’m not fit for the job?
After the series of questions thrown at you by your hiring managers, you may ask this especially if they give you time to inquire on some matters. This could be one of those matters that you can raise. It’s a perfect follow-up strategy to know whether you can proceed to the next step of the hiring process.
This would allow you to resolve any issues and misunderstandings between you and the employer/s during the duration of the interview. Most of all, you will be given an honest opinion about the areas that you need to improve on. Doing this would give your hiring managers the impression that you are a person who is open to feedback and constructive criticism.
Also read: Best Hygiene Practices For Job Interviews
6. How often does your company give raises to hardworking employees?
Money matters are often difficult to discuss during interviews. Some employees wait until they are already given an employment contract before they clarify these matters. Although risky, but for sure your employers know you’re bold. These days, employers seek employees who go way out of their way to achieve better results.
If you ask this question, you are opening the line for consideration. Your hiring managers might offer you something more than your expectations, like giving you a raise after a year of successful projects.
7. What more can I do to convince you that I am the one for the job?
This question is both direct and bold. Asking this will show your employers how truly passionate and serious you are about getting the job. This is specifically a good rebuttal and would reignite an employer’s dying interest.
Whether you are the appropriate person for the job or not, surely your employers will appreciate your boldness. It will also give them a chance to elaborate more on what they are looking for in an employee. Thus, you will have a better idea of what you need to tell them to convince them to hire you.
Conclusion
Undeniably, these bold questions are the exact questions most people won’t ever be able to ask during a job interview. Doing so requires a lot of guts and confidence in your abilities, skills and most of all, in yourself. However, remember that a display of confidence can help you go a long way. Relax and make sure you throw these questions out at the right time!
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