Page 165 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

THE QUESTION LIFE CYCLE

the end, most interviewers are more impressed by the presence of
character than the absence of weaknesses.

FIFTEEN BEST FEEDBACK QUESTIONS

11-1
What do you consider the weakest part of my résumé? Can we talk
about that first?
This question was introduced in Chapter 1. Under certain circum-
stances, this is an absolutely brilliant question for you to introduce
early. Some candidates who perceive real weaknesses in their résu-
més fear this question because they think they will bring attention
to a problem that the interviewer might not have noticed otherwise.
This is fantasy at best and denial at worst. Of course the interviewer
has noticed it. The only issue is whether you will get a chance to talk
about it and perhaps put it in better context than the interviewer
currently considers.

11-2
How do you feel I measure up to your requirements for this position?
It may seem a little pushy but it is a perfectly fair thing to ask. In
sales parlance this is a “trial close.” If they say that you are a good
fit, then you can ask whether there is any reason you might not be
offered the job. If they say that you are lacking in some key skill
or attribute, then you can move into objection-handling mode and
point out some relevant experience or a countervailing strength.

11-3
What skills do you see missing from potential candidates today?
This question is a bit less aggressive than the first two questions
because it provides some distance. Now you’re not talking so much
about your own skills, but skills in general. Still, the question and
response is about you. If the interviewer identifies some missing
skills, assume that the condition is considered true of you. Your
follow-up is to either acknowledge the absence of those skills and

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