Job Interview Questions

1. How do you like me so far? A cheeky question at its best, but if said with a smile and a light tone of voice, it might work.
2. Do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job and fit in? This is an important question because it shows humility and gives you the opportunity to both address and eliminate an objection.
3. Is there anything standing in the way of us coming to an agreement? Notice the question isn’t about the offer, it’s about agreement.
4. Do you have any concerns about my experience, education, skills? This is a direct question about any objections the interviewer might have.
5. How do I compare with the other candidates you have interviewed? Here’s another way to look at where you stand, and it’s always good to get information on the competition.
6. Describe your ideal candidate.What do my qualifications lack compared with those of the theoretical ideal candidate? If you get a sense that the interviewer thinks you are underqualified, here’s a question that might give you a shot at persuading him or her that you have what it takes.
7. Is there anything else I can elaborate on so that you would have a better understanding of my qualifications and suitability for this position? The answer often reveals where the interviewer is less than totally comfortable with your credentials.
8. Are there any areas in which you feel I fall short of your requirements? You’re making a direct appeal to the interviewer to talk about your shortcomings. Now show the interviewer how you can listen to criticism without getting defensive.
9. Can you give me any feedback that would make me more attractive to the company in the future or that I could benefit from next time? If you don’t get the job, maybe this question will at least give you some vital feedback you can use for next time.
10. Is there anything else you need from me to have a complete picture of my qualifications? This is an alternative and elegant formulation of the central feedback question.

Feedback Questions candidates, Feedback Questions, skills

It is often extremely difficult to learn what the interviewer doesn’t like about you. In many cases, company policy or fear of litigation prevents interviewers from giving you information that is critical for you to know if you are to improve your interviewing techniques. “Candidates need to understand that providing honest feedback is really tricky for recruiters and sometimes impossible,” says Janice Brookshier of Seattlejobs.org. “If you received a bad reference, for example, I can’t tell you.”

However, you must uncover doubts, if they exist. I believe that the facts are friendly. They may not always be convenient. If you have been fired or been in jail or have a big gap in your work history, these facts are not pleasant. But they are friendly because you have control over their disclosure. You are always better off dealing with the facts than hoping they will be ignored. Facts may not be discussed, but they are never ignored.

The point is that you can’t address an objection you don’t know about. These questions require courage. Don’t be afraid of letting your weaknesses surface. You want to be in the position of overcoming objections since this is when selling occurs.

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