Page 18 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N T RO DUC T ION

Consider how much stronger and focused these questions are:

What’s the most important problem I can solve within the first sixty
days?

Notice how much power is packed into this thirteen-word question. It
immediately communicates to the interviewer that you are solution-
minded, focused on quick results, and willing to be held accountable
for those results. The answer to the question, if the interviewer can
articulate it, is important. Make a note of it. But whether the ques-
tion elicits an actionable answer or not, just asking it will advance
your candidacy.

I would like to be offered this job. Now that we have spoken, do you
have any reservations at all about my qualifications or experience?

What kind of question is this? It sounds dangerous to ask the inter-
viewer for what he or she doesn’t like about you. But think about
it for a moment. This question communicates superior confidence.
It makes you stand out. Rest assured that few, if any, of your com-
petitors will ask such a bold question. And maybe, just maybe, the
interviewer will respond with an objection that you can answer.
If you hadn’t asked the question, the objection would have gone
unresolved.

Everything in this interview so far suggests to me that my experience
and qualifications are a perfect match for the job you described. I know
your recommendation for the best candidate carries a lot of weight in
the selection process. May I have your endorsement?

Another bold question. You are communicating your desire for the
job, but notice that you are not asking for the job itself. You are ask-
ing for the endorsement of the interviewer. It’s unlikely the inter-
viewer will answer the question directly. More likely you will get
a response such as, “Well, we still have a number of candidates to
interview.” No matter. You have achieved your goal. No other can-
didate has communicated such action-oriented confidence. And if
the job has any element of sales, you have communicated your abil-

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