Candidate Interviewer Questions

Demonstrate intelligent interest

Toward the end of the interview, the turn of questions is reversed. Answering "I have no questions" is a serious mistake that can denote a lack of interest or preparation.

However, asking basic questions for which the answer is on the company's website (such as "what do you do?") is equally damaging.

Questions should demonstrate that the candidate has researched and is already visualizing himself or herself within the organization.

It is recommended to ask questions about the organizational culture, department-specific challenges or medium-term vision.

For example, "How has the team's strategy evolved in the face of recent legislative changes in the industry?" or "What are the biggest challenges the person filling this position will face in the first six months?"

These questions not only provide valuable information in deciding whether to accept an offer, but position the candidate as a strategic professional who cares about the company's success.

The Golden Question

There is a strategic question, often called "the golden question," that has the power to change the dynamics of the interview, "What would I have to do to make you, a year from now, consider my hiring a resounding success?"

This formulation forces the interviewer to visualize the candidate succeeding in the position and to verbalize real expectations and success metrics that sometimes do not appear in the job description.

The answer to this question provides a clear roadmap of what is valued: Is it autonomy? Is it sales? Is it innovativeness? Furthermore, by obtaining this information, the candidate can reaffirm their suitability in the closing of the interview or in the thank you letter afterwards, aligning their final promises exactly with what the boss wants to hear.

This is an extremely powerful personal selling and expectation alignment tool.

Closing the interview

Closing is the last taste in the evaluator's mouth.

Before leaving, it is critical to clarify the next steps in the process to manage one's anxiety and plan for follow-up.

Questions such as "What is the estimated time frame for making a decision?" or "Is there any additional information you need from me?" are appropriate and professional. In addition, interest in the position should be reiterated explicitly.

A closing sentence such as, "After our conversation and learning more about the team's challenges, I am even more excited about joining the company and bringing my expertise to X," reinforces the commitment.

Subsequently, this interest should be sealed with a thank you note sent within 24 hours, thanking them for their time and reminding