At the end of every interview it is guaranteed to come up – the question of all questions: “Do you have any questions?” What sounds harmless is actually your last chance to make a lasting impression.
The worst answer: “No, all right”
A simple “No, all right” or “No, thank you” is probably the worst answer you can give. According to a report by Capital, seven percent of hiring managers surveyed rated not asking questions as the biggest interview mistake. This answer signals a lack of interest in the company and a lack of motivation for the position.
As application coach Ines Schöffmann explains to Capital, this phase is more than just a polite conclusion: “Ultimately, it’s also about the candidate finding out by asking specific questions whether the job and the company are really suitable.” If you don’t ask questions, it shows that you haven’t seriously considered the position.
In addition, you miss the opportunity to turn the conversation in your favor again. Because the last question is often the last thing that HR managers remember – and that is exactly what a positive impression should be.
What you should say instead: Specific questions
The right strategy is to always have at least two to three thoughtful questions ready. As Stellenmarkt.de emphasizes, these questions should show that you have thought intensively about the position and the company. Questions about the specific job are particularly effective: “What does a typical working day look like in this position?” or “What challenges await me in the first six months?”.
Questions about training and development are also well received: “How does the training work?” or “What further training opportunities do you have?” These show that you think long-term and want to develop further.
Personal questions to the interviewee are particularly elegant: “What do you personally value most about working in this company?” or “Which current projects is the team particularly concerned about at the moment?” Such questions invite honest dialogue and leave a reflective impression.
The chance for the last strong impression
If you use the question round skillfully, you can even gain an advantage in the application process. Questions about the further process show professionalism: “What happens next after the conversation?” or “When can I expect a response?”
What is important is the right balance: two to three well-considered questions are completely sufficient. They should be authentic and fit the course of the conversation. Ready-made questions that don’t fit the situation have just as bad an effect as no questions at all.
Ultimately, at this moment the applicant transforms from a passive candidate to an active conversation partner on an equal level – and that’s exactly what employers want to see.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net
Image sources: Lisa S. / Shutterstock.com