The Importance of Asking Questions: Interview Edition

I hope everyone is staying warm during the start of the very cold weather, and as we try our best to avoid the ice and snow, let's slide into a more pleasant case - interview questions. 

Yes, interview questions themselves may be as pleasant as the chilly weather. But, the more you practice the questions, the better they are in an interview setting, like stepping outside during winter. For this blog, the forecast is everything you need to know about interview questions. Mainly the questions you ask the interviewer. As much as preparing thoughtful answers for all the possible questions you may be asked, having questions to ask back is essential.

Moreover, by asking questions, you show the prospective employer your interest in the position and company, and simultaneously, you will learn more about the company and their job expectations. Remember that the employer evaluates you and gauges whether you want to work for them. So, make sure to ask questions about information that has yet to be answered or is not easily Googled. Lastly, prepare three to four questions to demonstrate your passion for the role you are interviewing for. 

Before we begin, I am very excited to introduce two phenomenal women: Linsday, one of WIB's Co-Chairs, and Bola, WIB's V.P. Marketing. I have asked these two WIB executives to share their experiences and knowledge on interviews and the importance of asking the right questions when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" 

So, where should you start? First, thoroughly research your role and the company you have applied to. Then, review your resume and practice sample interview questions, whether with a friend, family member, or an online tool, such as Google Interview Warmup (Bola, V.P. Marketing; Lindsay, Co-Chair). Remember to always give yourself enough time to prepare for the interview because you will not only feel calmer, but your confidence will show to the interviewer. Before you head to your interview, Lindsay has some empowering words, "power stance for 3 minutes." Simply place your hands on your hips, hold your chin up high, close your eyes, and think nothing but kind, empowering thoughts about yourself and your abilities for three minutes (Lindsay, Co-Chair).

Now, there are many questions to ask employers when given the opportunity. There is a range of topics you can inquire about, from elaborating on the details of the position, starting dates, and other benefits that come with working for the company. However, let's discuss the right questions to ask prospective employers and why these questions are the best. 

• What are the short-term and long-term goals for the team, and how does this role contribute to achieving those goals?

• This question is a wonderful way to begin because it shows the employer you are invested in the company and role. In fact, with this question, the employer can share their vision of the organization for the future, which gives you an idea of whether their values align with yours and you are genuinely excited to work for them. Also, the following question about what your role contributes allows you to understand how your role fits within the company's structure (Lindsay, Co-Chair). 

• What is the company's approach to professional development and career growth for employees in this role?

• For Lindsay, a company's culture is essential because anyone can grow in their career with a positive and supportive workplace culture. Asking this question can help you gauge the potential for career growth and opportunities for advancement within the company. On top of that, it reveals the company's exciting benefits, which can include various training programs and impactful events (Lindsay, Co-Chair).

• Can you tell me more about the company's culture and values and how the team collaborates and communicates?

• Taking a further dive into the company's culture, the answer to the question discloses the engagement in the company, presenting to you how well the company communicates with its employees. It also shows how well the company supports and values its employees (Bola, V.P. Marketing). But, most importantly, Bola said it perfectly, "asking about company culture and team dynamics demonstrates my interest in a compatible work environment."

• What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now, and how can the role I'm interviewing for contribute to overcoming them?

• The question is effective because it shows them your ability to contribute to the company’s progression while showcasing your proactive and problem-solving mindset (Bola, VP Marketing). Subsequently, the question presents your care for the company and that you are a team player.

• How can I make a positive impression during the initial three months? 

• With this question, the employer sees your strive for excellence because you are eager to take action as soon as possible and ready to make a positive impact within the company. Consider the interviewer's response since it will indicate the employer's expectations for the role.

• What factors contributed to my selection for an interview over other applicants? 

• Wow! You set yourself apart from the other candidates because you are bold and straightforward. The question reveals to you what features and aspects the employer liked most about you, which allows you to understand what strengths others see in you.

• What advice would you give a successful candidate?

• Lastly, this question brings everything together, which is why it is an excellent question to finish off with. It reiterates the company's expectations, providing valuable insights and showing you are open to feedback. Regardless, the best part of this question is that it takes you to a more in-depth conversation with the interviewer - getting personal. The interviewer can share more with you, painting a better picture of what the organization is like and what the employer values most—ultimately ending the interview in a positive tone.

Overall, these questions set you apart from the other applicants because they give the employer the impression that you are genuinely interested in making a meaningful impact and contribution to the team's success (Bola, V.P. Marketing). Asking the right questions leaves the potential employer with a stronger impression of you, making yourself more memorable to them.

On the flip side, let's look at the peculiar questions interviewers can ask you, which can be amusing and bizarre! I am talking about the ones like "What colour is money?" or "Is a hot dog a sandwich?" Did I throw you off? Don't worry! For some, it may be exciting to take the pressure off the more serious questions during the interview, but for others, it may baffle them as the interview just took a different turn. However, take a breath, as it is your time to shine a light on your creative side! These fun and bizarre questions allow the interviewer to understand your creative and problem-solving skills, taking a step back from the more tactical questions (Lindsay, Co-Chair). Also, it will enable you to relax and showcase your personality, ending the interview on a positive note (Bola, V.P. Marketing). 

Interviews are nerve-wracking, but do not be afraid of them. No matter what happens in an interview, it is an excellent opportunity to learn and practice how you speak, present yourself, and demonstrate your skills. We all have experienced interviews, some of which may have caught us off-guard, or we came out of it feeling completely flustered. Our WIB executives have been through it. Bola had an instance where she had to quickly adapt to an impromptu question, where the interviewer asked, "What questions do you wish we would have asked you during the interview?" Without a doubt, Bola thought of information she wanted the interviewer to know about her that was not covered in the interview, which would elaborate on why she is the best fit for the position (Bola, V.P. Marketing).  

Subsequently, Lindsay had an unexpected occurrence where she asked one of the right questions listed above, which puzzled the interviewer. Lindsay asked, "What is your biggest piece of advice for someone in this role," to which they responded with, "That is a great question; I actually don't know." Lindsay had not been in a situation like this before; without letting it get too awkward, she quickly pivoted and rephrased the question: "What are you expecting someone in this role to do?" Indeed, Lindsay successfully evaded awkward silence, but it also gave her confidence. The interview affirmed interviewers themselves do not know everything and that everyone is human, making interviews much less intimidating for Lindsay (Lindsay, Co-Chair).  

Throughout the blog, we learned the importance of asking the right questions, the reason for the fun questions, and being courageous regarding interviews. However, before we conclude and get back to overcoming the winter shivers, I would love to share a few tips from Lindsay that allowed her to excel in interviews, which can help you do the same:

• Prepare Your STAR Stories: Behavioral questions are common in interviews. Prepare specific examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) from your past experiences demonstrating your skills and achievements.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions. Practice will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.

• Dress Appropriately: Choose your outfit based on the company's dress code. It's usually better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed when in doubt.

• Prepare Your Questions: Have thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. It shows your interest and gives you valuable insights.

• Stay Calm: It's natural to feel nervous, but practice relaxation techniques to stay calm. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you're qualified for the position.

• Be Punctual: Arrive on time for the interview. Being late can make a wrong first impression.

• Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.

Also, the advice that Lindsay received from others stuck with her, which she would like to share with you:

• Show Your Enthusiasm: One piece of advice that has always resonated with me [Lindsay] is to let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. Employers often prefer to hire candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity.

• Be Authentic: Another critical piece of advice is to be yourself. It's about impressing the interviewer and determining if the company and role are the right fit for you. Authenticity goes a long way.

• Learn from Rejections: Not every interview will result in a job offer. Don't get discouraged by rejections. Use them as learning opportunities and keep improving.

P.S. Remember to smile :)