Can your questions MAKE the interview? No. Can they break it? ABSOLUTELY.
So, you must prepare.
The final portion of an interview, where candidates ask their own questions, is a powerful yet frequently neglected opportunity to stand out. Employers see these questions as a reflection of a candidate’s thought process, curiosity, and ability to carry a conversation. Strong, well-prepared questions can leave a lasting impression, while weak or generic ones may damage a candidate’s chances. The key is preparation—thinking ahead about insightful, job-specific questions rather than scrambling in the moment.
This lesson lays out eight essential rules for asking questions effectively. Candidates should memorize 3-5 well-crafted questions and treat the interview as a conversation, ensuring their inquiries build on prior discussions. The focus should be on the job, role, and individual contribution rather than broad company details or benefits. Asking open-ended questions and prompting interviewers to elaborate fosters engagement and deeper insights. Additionally, explaining why a question is relevant makes it more compelling and persuasive.
Candidates should also be mindful of when to stop; forcing additional questions just because time allows can weaken an otherwise strong interview. By following these guidelines, job seekers can make their questions a valuable asset, demonstrating preparedness, confidence, and a genuine interest in the role. This lesson provides actionable strategies to ensure candidates maximize this often-missed interview opportunity.
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