Job Interview Tips: Intelligent Ways To Answer; Do You Have any Questions for us?

By Dorcas Karuana,
Whether you are an experienced professional or an entry level job seeker, a job interview creates some jitters in a person.

Preparing is the key to confidence in job interviews. One of the things that you should prepare is common expected interview questions.

Recently, a friend shared how one of the panelists in a job interview caught her off guard with the question; “Do you have any questions for us?” In her own words she said “I had not prepared for it and had no ready answer but I tried though it really frustrated me after having a very interactive session with the panel.”

This is one of the questions that come among the last things in a job interview and according to Tabitha Kibe, HR Manager Farm Concern International; it could be the biggest trap of the professional job interview. “It is, when the interviewer turns the tables and offers to answer whatever questions may be on your mind.”

You should not wait to be surprised when this question comes at you with five or seven minutes left in the interview. “Get ready beforehand and use it as the opportunity to differentiate yourself from your competition,” advises Ms Kibe.

This is your opportunity to further show your interest in the position. You need to show how much homework you’ve done – or not – about the company and how much insight you have – or don’t – about the position you’re discussing. And whether or not you are accurately reading the dynamics of the interview.

You were just asked a ton of questions that made you think now its your turn to challenge the person who interviewed you and make them think, in turn doing so makes them remember you.

Ms. Kibe however warns that, “the worst possible answer to this question is, “No, thanks, I think I have everything I need.” If you do that the interviewer will write you off, then and there. As someone who isn’t hungry, isn’t curious about the organization or doesn’t care about the interviewer him or herself.

Rather, prepare a series of intelligent open-ended questions. “This could be about the company’s corporate vision, the company culture and work environment, career growth prospects in the firm or if it is one in a series of interviews, you might as well enquire how you scored in a previous interview session and how you can improve in future,” explains Ms Kibe.

A simple thank you makes you an unforgettable face; remember not to forget at the beginning of your answers:

1. First of all thanks for the opportunity sir/madam…Where do you see the successful candidate in six months and 12 months in terms of skills and duties?
Or

2.My question is what characteristics have made your best employee successful in your company and what qualities are you looking for that I can improve on to better my skills before joining your company.

3. What are 3 key results that you believe drive this company.

4. May I know about the environment in which I have to work in the company and the working strategy with my co-workers?

5. After my overall performance till now if I get selected what do I need to improve and if I’m not selected how can I succeed further can you give any advice?

6. What qualifications do you see in me that you would find to benefit your company?

7. I would like to know incase am selected as the best candidates when should I expect joining the company?

8. Kindly describe a typical working day for the holder of the position?

In conclusion, always remember that, interviewers remember the first and last part of the interview so when responding to this question be more energetic and enthusiastic like when you started.

Dont Miss any Job Or Article Subscribe to Career Point Kenya by Email FOR FREE CLICK HERE