So…. What Questions do you have for me?
If you are well prepared you will have 3-5 set questions to ask that you prepared the night before or during your note taking, (yes take notes, with a pen, on paper) you have jotted down some questions that have not been asked. DO NOT ask questions that have already been answered, if you do, you might as well get up and walk out.
Prospective employers almost always ask this one So…. What Questions do you have for me? And most job-hunting books, interviewing resources and career coaches will advise you to respond with intelligent, creative questions.
Here are some terrible questions not to ask:
Why is this position vacant? – The other person did not provide value or we have a gap.
Do you promote from within? – Not relevant for this this job. We are hiring you for a role, and if you do really well we may look at you for other roles.
Do you have a formal training program? – Concentrate on the task at hand.
If the job becomes so easy that you have time to go to class, let us know we will give you more to do.
What are the future goals of the company? – You should know these, but they are to make money.
How will I know that I have met your goals? – You wont be fired.
Why did you choose to work for this company? – Because it’s the greatest place in the world. And the people, it is always the people.
How would you describe your company’s culture? – Fair…. every place is “fair”, empowering, vibrant, and without micromanagement.
How will my performance be evaluated, and how often? – It will be evaluated every minute of every day. If we are delivering on time, under budget and within scope we are good.
What is the average workweek of the person who will fill this job? – If you have to ask you lose. 24/7.
Will I be hearing from you or should I contact you? – No, you will contact him or her with a formal thank you letter, handwritten.
Those are terrible questions. They’re idiotic, tactical, and inconsequential, and frankly you should already know the answers, but most applicants still ask them.
NOW IT’S TIME TO STICK OUT!!!
The less boring and far from normal you are – and the more rules to which you are the exception – the more hirable you will become.
So, try this: Next time your interviewer asks, “So, do you have any questions for me?”