Question: How many people are you interviewing for this position? It’s okay to ask about your competition – it indicates interest in the position as well as gives you useful information. The answer to this question will indicate how much interest and competition there is in this position. An alternative question is: “How many applications did you receive for this position?” If the number is high, feel good that you’ve made it this far! As you leave the interview, let the interviewer know you are interested in the position.
Question: Do I have the type of experience and qualifications you’re looking for? Try to get some immediate feedback from the interviewer. There may be some questions about your experience and qualifications the interviewer hasn’t ask you. Try to get him or her to articulate these concerns so you can address them at this time.
Question: Who makes the final hiring decision? You may discover the final decision takes place two levels above the interviewer. As such, it may involve a few weeks of decision-making. This also will tell you how far up the decision-making ladder you have climbed so far. Maybe you’ll have to come back for the fourth or fifth interview in order to reach the “real” decision-makers.
Question: As I’ve indicated, I’m very interested in the position. It’s really a perfect fit for me. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get some feedback on my candidacy. How well did things go today? Is there anything I need to do or say that would convince you to offer me the position? I think we’ll work very well together. This is a very forward way to put in a final pitch for the position. Obviously, this individual is very interested in the position and lets the interviewer know in no uncertain terms. Unlike most other candidates, this on knows something about employers that many interviewees forget – employers want you to want to work for them. They’re not looking for hungry employees but ones that really feel they’ll love working for them. This is a strong statement / question that says it all.
Question: I’ve really enjoyed meeting you. I’m very interested in the position. What is the next step? This is a very nice closing that when said with enthusiasm emphasizes that the individual wants the position. The response should be to outline the remaining selection procedures. This person should have an idea when this process comes to a close and when they might be asked back for another interview and / or job offer.
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