TLDR;
This video provides ten key questions to ask during a job interview to gain insights into the role, company culture, and expectations. It emphasizes the importance of making the interview a two-way conversation to assess if the company aligns with your career goals. The questions cover topics such as the reason for the position being open, the vision for the role, company weaknesses, competition, and the interviewer's experience.
- Asking questions throughout the interview, not just at the end, to maintain a conversational flow.
- Inquiring about the company's vision for the role and expectations for the first 90 days.
- Identifying potential red flags by asking about past employees and career progression opportunities.
Introduction: The Importance of Asking Questions in an Interview [0:00]
The video emphasizes the importance of asking questions during a job interview, highlighting that candidates who ask questions are more engaged and make the interview a two-way conversation. Asking questions allows candidates to assess whether the company aligns with their preferences and career goals, just as the company evaluates the candidate's suitability. The video aims to provide ten questions that can be used in a job interview to gain insights into the role and the company.
Understanding the Role: Key Questions to Ask [0:44]
To gain insight into the role and the company, it's important to ask specific questions. One key question is "Why is the position open?" This reveals whether it's a new role or a replacement, and if it's a replacement, it's crucial to understand why previous employees didn't work out. High turnover could indicate red flags about the company or hiring manager. If the role is new due to departmental growth, it's generally a positive sign.
Assessing the Company: Identifying Red Flags and Growth Opportunities [1:43]
To understand the company's expectations and vision, ask "What is your vision for this role?" and "What are the top three things you would like to see from me in the first 90 days?". These questions clarify expectations and allow you to assess if they are realistic. Additionally, asking "How can I exceed in this role?" helps understand what it takes to excel and highlights your desire to succeed. It's also important to inquire about career progression by asking "What growth opportunities do you see longer term for this role?" to ensure alignment with your career ambitions and identify potential toxic workplaces.
Flipping the Script: Asking the Interviewer About Weaknesses [3:32]
Instead of only answering the common question about your weaknesses, flip the script by asking the interviewer, "What's a weakness your department currently has?" and "How do you see this role contributing to solve or improve these weaknesses?". The answers provide insights into the department's challenges and allow you to tailor your closing remarks to address these weaknesses, demonstrating how you can contribute to their improvement.
Researching the Company: Questions About Competition and Finances [4:04]
Prior to the interview, research the company's competition and financial status. Ask questions like "What is your strategy to address your biggest competition?" or "How do you plan to secure your next round of funding?". These questions are particularly important for startups or companies reliant on funding, ensuring you're aware of potential financial risks that could lead to layoffs.
Getting Personal: Questions About the Interviewer's Experience [4:37]
To gain a personal perspective and build rapport, ask the interviewer, "How long have they been with the company and what it is they like about working there?". This encourages them to share their experiences and provides valuable insights into the company culture. If multiple people are interviewing you, ask each of them for diverse perspectives.
Wrapping Up: Asking About Next Steps [5:01]
To avoid uncertainty, always ask about the next steps in the hiring process. Specifically, inquire "What the next steps are and when you are likely to hear back". This provides a timeline and allows you to follow up confidently if you don't hear back by the given deadline.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Resources [5:20]
The video concludes by wishing viewers good luck with their upcoming interviews and promoting a career growth accelerator program. The program covers resume optimization, LinkedIn profile enhancement, job search strategies, and interview training. A link to the program is provided in the description.
