Are you feeling stagnant, bored, or unhappy at work? There is a chance you are unfulfilled in your current role or career. Often when this occurs, people will explore new job opportunities or make a career change. This will likely involve undergoing interviews.
Interviews require preparation and can be stressful. So keep scrolling for our tips on standing out in your next job interview.
With many companies doing massive layoffs, entering the job market can seem overwhelming, and setting yourself apart from the competition is pertinent now more than ever.
In every job interview, you are bound to be asked, "Do you have any questions?" The answer should be yes, and you must have some good questions ready. This interview question is like a test, making sure you really understand what you're applying to and that you're genuinely interested in the position and company you're interviewing with. Take time to prepare for this question and have several at hand, just in case some are answered during the interview. Your questions should be connected to what you want from the role/company.
Decide what is important to you about a place of work. What do you need to know to understand if you can spend 40+ hours going there each week? Once you have identified your work values/priorities, develop 2–3 questions that help you understand if this organizational culture aligns with them. One great question that can be very telling is, "why are you looking to fill this role?" You can learn a great deal by understanding why the last person left or if this is a new role being created.
Ask a question related to research that you have done. Has this company merged with another recently? Are there rumors they will? Have they won an award recently? Basing your questions on this research shows your interviewer that you did research and you're thinking about the future.
Understand the expectations of the role and your potential for mobility. Asking questions like "what would a typical day for me look like?" and "how does growth in this role happen?" It can give you a clear picture of what is expected of you. If you are unhappy with the answers, the role may not be the best. But, on the other hand, if the answers excite you, this might be your perfect role!
Why is this even important? Asking questions helps your understanding of the 'fit.' Whether you love or hate your current job, or even if you are currently unemployed, interviews are not just about the hiring manager learning about you. They are also about you learning more about the company and exploring if it is a place that will make you happy. When you ask questions, you need to position yourself to make thoughtful moves and not out of desperation.
Here are some questions you can ask to stand out and measure for yourself if this job fits your needs:
What is the person who had this position previously doing now?
What is one problem that you have that needs to be solved with this role?
How has this position changed since it was created?
How do you see this role evolving in the next few years?
What tangible goals would you want your new hire to reach within the first six months or year?
What skills does your ideal candidate have for this role? (This is a risky question because their answer may not be anything you have. However, it's a great way to position yourself to become that ideal candidate, especially if this is your dream position or company or if you're applying to similar roles. This question is also a great way to make a memorable impression on the hiring manager).
Don't ask questions about vacation days, pay/salary, or anything that will be discussed once you get the job offer. Asking these questions can show the interviewer that you're more concerned about other things besides the actual work they'll need you to do. Remember, the interview is just the first step, land the job with superior interview prep.