Job interviews often serve as pivotal moments in a career. The stress and uncertainty that accompany these interviews are familiar to many and often stem from the desire to make a positive impression while assessing whether the role and company align with personal and professional aspirations.
While some conversations may seem fruitless or unpleasant, there are strategies and approaches that can greatly increase your chances of success. TikTok has become an unexpected yet insightful platform where individuals like the aforementioned Jennifer Reardon share innovative tactics and shed light on the dynamics of successful conversations.
Four possible types of interview questions
Asking questions like these will not only appear professional to potential employers. Additionally, it will allow for a better understanding of the job description, workplace, and general goals or expectations. In this way, it will be possible for both parties to determine whether or not it is suitable.
Asking questions about the job, co-workers’ personalities, or company ideals is a great way to learn while appearing engaged and professional.
1. Questions regarding specifics in a job interview
To make sure that the job opportunity meets your expectations and career goals, it is important to learn as much as possible about the job opportunity before accepting it. To learn more about the specifics of the position, you can ask the potential employer the following questions.
What are the key responsibilities in the first ninety days that I should focus on?
How does this site do performance reviews? What is the frequency of my official checks?
What projects would I tackle first thing in the morning? Alternatively, when will I… (hold client meetings, take on unmanaged projects, etc.)?
Will my main responsibilities be different during the first six months?
2. Getting to know the team: Interview Questions
It is important that you educate yourself on the team dynamics and work environment of any job opportunity you are pursuing. These are some questions you can ask a potential employer to learn more about the company culture as a whole and your potential co-workers.
Could you give me information about my work team or colleagues?
Who will I work most closely with? What other divisions or departments will I interact with?
What are the main obstacles the team faces? Do they work together well enough to overcome them?
Do they prefer to split into smaller groups?
Is there anything I should read beforehand to help myself and my coworkers understand each other better?
3. How to get to know your boss better during a job interview
Asking insightful questions about the company and its leadership during an interview can show a potential employer that you are genuinely interested in the position and provide useful information.
How long have you been with the company?
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
What project brought you the most satisfaction?
4. Clearer knowledge of the organization
By asking these questions, you will be able to learn more about the company’s values, growth potential, and compatibility with your career goals. Some other considerations:
What do you think are the company’s values?
What plans does the company have for expansion and improvement? What achievements have former employees in my role achieved? How did they progress in the organization?
What aspect of the future of the company excites you the most? As the company grows, what responsibilities can I expect?
When they first start working here, what surprises employees the most?
Revealing job interview question
A few months ago, TikTok user Jennifer Reardon became popular for her innovative advice on the one question she regularly asks potential employers during job interviews. According to her, she’s been ‘offered for every job’ she’s interviewed for.” In addition to offering other valuable advice like “do the interview, be normal,” Jennifer notes that this particular question will be especially helpful at the end of an interview.
“Do you have any concerns about me that we could address before we finish?” should be your last question to the interviewer. Jennifer says in her video that she has always been very lucky with this. “You guys are going to be worried, and then it’s your time to address them, and once you’re done with them, they’re not going to be worried,” he says.
Each scenario has its pros and cons, just like anything else. This also applies to this excellent job interview question proposal. Many viewers agreed that this could be very helpful, but others immediately pointed out the fact that it “puts the interviewer on the spot”. Someone said: “I’ve tried, I just get weird looks after they say something like “No, we’ve already asked you everything” in a sarcastic tone.” Meanwhile, another user offered to rephrase Jennifer’s insightful job interview question. “As I say, how do you doubt my ability to perform this position? HIRED!!!” They gave an explanation.
So how should you prepare for a job interview?
While going for an interview is undeniably daunting, it pays to be prepared. Some of these include asking or answering the right questions during a job interview, while some can be as simple as just knowing how to lead a conversation in a positive way. Fortunately, Harvard Business Review experts have shared their wisdom to support you in your future professional endeavors. Here are some other questions that can make your interview worthwhile.
First impressions are not always more important than last impressions. A great question to ask yourself at the end of a job interview might be:
At what stages will the recruitment process continue?
Would you like me to explain in detail any aspect of my credentials?
Bonus: Concerns you might want to ignore
During a job interview, applicants should refrain from asking these questions as they may come across as unprofessional or inappropriate.
Any questions about health benefits or “paid time off” This will let potential employers know you’re only interested in pay and benefits, not the position itself.
Inquiring about when you might be eligible for a raise. Wait to talk about salary and raises until the moment is right, such as after accepting an offer or after some time in the role.
Knowing your company’s vacation policy is vital, but asking too soon can make it seem like you care more about getting time off than the job itself.
Both employers and potential employees can benefit greatly from asking these questions during a job interview. However, preparing the right questions is not the only factor in a fruitful interview. It is also important to understand what queries need to be addressed. In addition, it is important to maintain good hygiene, dress appropriately, show interest, and try to maintain eye contact. Experts recommend choosing a different spot on the other person’s face, such as the nose or forehead, if it’s difficult to maintain eye contact. You can also alternate between maintaining eye contact and walking into these areas of the face. In addition, it is important to “speak your value” and arrive promptly – ie ten to fifteen minutes early.
Definitely! Mastering the art of a successful job interview goes beyond just asking the right questions or using smart tactics. It’s about presenting yourself authentically, showing your value, and showing genuine interest in the position and the company.
While Jennifer Reardon’s approach of asking about concerns at the end of the interview can potentially provide an opportunity to address any reservations, it is important to gauge the receptivity of the interviewer. Interviewers may appreciate your proactive attitude or they may feel under pressure, so adaptability and reading the situation is key.
In addition to asking relevant questions and using smart strategies, the timeless pillars of success in an interview are remaining professional, being prepared to arrive, dressing appropriately, and displaying a good demeanor. Trust tempered with humility, active listening, and respectful engagement form the foundation of an unforgettable interview experience.
Remember that an interview is not just about being evaluated; it’s also an opportunity for you to assess the company culture, your potential role, and whether it aligns with your career aspirations. Making a lasting impression requires a holistic approach that balances preparedness, professionalism, and genuine interest, ultimately creating a mutually beneficial interaction for you and the potential employer.