One of the best ways to ace an interview is to simply make it conversational. By avoiding the all-too-common terse Q&A session, you can impress interviewers, project confidence, and make the whole process much less awkward. The key is to ask questions, and get a two-way dialogue started. Not only will you improve your chances of getting the job, you will learn a lot more about the company and working conditions. Here are the top ten questions to ask during your next interview (not all at once):
What training/educational opportunities do you offer?
Show you are eager to learn and improve yourself. Motivated learners are valuable employees.
What are the prospects for upward mobility in this role?
Make it clear from the outset that you have long-term plans for this company, and are driven by a desire to advance professionally.
What would you say is the best aspect of working here?
This question demonstrates a specific interest in the organization, and conveys the fact that you aren’t just looking for any job that will give you a paycheck. You are a valuable worker, interested in dedicating your time and efforts to a worthy cause.
What can I expect a typical workday to involve?
Again, demonstrate a specific interest in this position. You aren’t here begging for a job; you are looking for a career suited to your strengths and interests. This question is also a subtle psychological trick to get the interviewer envisioning you in the role.
What are the biggest challenges I’ll be facing in this role?
This question shows you are a problem solver. You want to identify challenges and face them head on.
What tools/programs/software will I be working with?
This question is another way to get the interviewer imagining you in the role, and can also be a chance to highlight your strengths and experience working with certain tools. On the other hand, it might also be a way of asking ‘what new skills can I expect to learn?’
How does this position fit into the overall business scheme?
Show that you’re a big picture thinker and want to be cognizant of all aspects of the organization.
What qualities do your most successful employees possess?
If asked early on, this will give you some insight into the answers your interviewer is looking for. It also shows competitive spirit and a desire to improve.
How is success measured in this role? What should my immediate goals be?
These questions show you are practical, goal-oriented, and enthusiastic about professional growth.
If I were to be hired, what could I start doing today to ensure I hit the ground running?
A great question to wrap things up with. It highlights your confidence, enthusiasm to succeed, and forethought.
Of course, you won’t want to simply regurgitate these questions word-for-word in your interview. Work them into the conversation smoothly, and avoid asking anything that has already been explained or covered. Remember, you’re goal is to convey a strong interest in the company and an eagerness to excel in the role. You can tell an employer a lot by asking the right questions.
Visit www.legalweekjobs.com for thousands of job opportunities in the Legal sector. What questions did you ask in your last job interview? Do you think they helped?
