Every part of the hiring process counts, but a face-to-face meeting is the best opportunity to dazzle the boss and land a coveted offer.
To maximize those precious moments, here are the four types of interview questions everyone should ask an employer.
Each question demonstrates critical thinking and declares: I’m in it to win it.
Note: to answer interview questions in a memorable way, tell stories. Here’s how.
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Scenario: you interview to do marketing/communications for a grocery chain.
1. The Background Check
People love to talk about themselves. Period. If you come prepared with a question about the boss’s career (thanks to LinkedIn or a website bio), he will perk up, brag on himself and find you impressive — even though you only asked a question and listened.
Sample interview question
“I noticed you started your career in marketing for Ringling Brothers circus. What was that experience like?”
2. The Office Insight
Every company has a website. So read it before the interview. Check out past and current projects, staff bios and gain a general sense of the office culture. Then, drop a question to prove you did your homework.
Sample interview question
“I read several of your recent press releases and saw you’re making a push to carry more gluten-free products. How big is the demand right now for gluten-free foods?”
3. The “Wow” Factor
The bio question, the company question…both solid. Now, turn your focus to the industry, in general. Read news about the grocery biz and put the company in context with the latest headlines. That’s next-level stuff , which prompts a “wow” from the boss.
Sample interview question
“I see [company A] bought [company B]. The deal seems like a major shake-up in the grocery industry. What does the [company A] takeover say to you?”
4. The Inception
With the “wow” question, you took the interview from an uncomfortable boss-applicant arrangement to a conversation among peers. Now, plant a seed in the manager’s brain with a cool marketing idea. Make him feel like he needs you on the team right now.
Sample interview question
“I like the way your store offers online deals based on my previous purchases. For me, a twenty-something, it’s a smart strategy. Wouldn’t it be cool to do a targeted campaign to reach people where they spend time online?”
Boss says, “You know, that’s a really good idea.”
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For your next job interview, come with a set of questions no one else will have.
Be smarter. Be one notch better.
Be different.
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