Best Questions to Ask a Recruiter at the End of the Interview

Best Questions to Ask a Recruiter at the End of the Interview

by Talentese Team 24/11/2017

Everyone always says you should ask questions at the end of the interview. What questions should you ask? How would your questions be perceived?

Asking questions at the end of an interview is always a good way to finish. In typical question and answer rounds, most recruiters ask if there is anything you would like to know. After you’re done with the most frequently asked interview questions, you should ideally ask 2 – 3 questions that you would want to know answers about. It’s important for recruiters / interviewers to know that you have an interest in the company and that you have conducted your research.

One of the many benefits of asking questions at the end of your typical interview questions and answers round is that you assess your employee branding and whether this company will add more value to you. Another advantage to this would be that you would have a fairer idea if your goals are aligned with the company you are interviewing for. Research carefully and ask intelligent, open-ended questions. Also, avoid asking yes or no type questions – these will not add information to what you already know.

Let’s look at typical interview questions and answers asked by candidates towards the end.

What are the challenges this position presents?

This is one of the most frequently asked interview questions. With this question, you force the recruiter to give you missing information that hasn’t been covered in the job description and the interview. You should pay close attention to any negative aspects of the response from the recruiter.

How does my role fit in the overall company structure?

This is a typical interview question and answer; be prepared for counter-questioning! This question justifies your claim in your resume of being a team player and wanting to contribute towards team building and team success. Always quantify your plan to contribute towards the company’s success in the long term.

How is the performance for this position measured and reviewed?

Back this question up with a smile! You don’t want to come across as someone who is only interested in the financial aspect. You could also add that you would like to work within measurable guidelines of the company – this shows you are willing to be proactive about your new role and care about your personal employee branding.

What training and skill development does this role offer?

This question will be on every recruiter’s radar. Companies want to know if you would like to develop your skills and training to contribute more effectively to their structure. This also shows your dedication to improve your employee branding. Ongoing skill development shows your willingness to improve and ask for additional help and assistance.

What soft skills are required for this position?

It’s always important to know which skills are not mentioned in the job description. All recruiters tell you what to do, but no one tells you what you will require. You will get answers for company culture and value by asking this typical interview question and answer.

Is there anything you feel I lack in my application?

A recruiter always asks about strengths and weaknesses as part of the most frequently asked interview questions. With this, you show that you are willing to admit and work on your weaknesses and turn them into strengths – you are asking the recruiter to assess your vulnerabilities on the spot.

What do you like best about working for this company?

This is an ideal question to show how meticulously you have worked on your employee branding. You are concerned about the recruiter’s views on the company! Not only are you trying to create a discussion instead of an interview, but also getting insight on the best parts in the company. This is not considered in typical interview questions and answers so should be used wisely at the appropriate time.

What is the biggest challenge the company is currently facing?

This question doesn’t come in the regular list of most frequently asked interview questions but should be asked by most candidates. Asking this question shows a willingness to make a positive contribution towards company success. This also helps in finding out what areas require priority upon joining.

What career development opportunities are available?

This is an ideal question if you are looking to fast track your career through the company. Ask this question to gauge if the job position is a dead end or if there are possibilities for promotions and shifts within the company. This also shows your willingness to work on your employee branding.

How can I work best with my manager?

You should be aware of whether the response from the recruiter is collaboration-friendly or not. This is will help you assess which of your strengths you will need to showcase first.

What is the next step in the process and when will I hear from you?

This question is a classic. It is another most frequently asked interview question at the end. Asking this, not only shows eagerness to start, but also provides the basis for your hiring timeline. Only ask this once you are sure your curiosity about the company is satisfied.

Use these questions to assess how you fit with the company culture and what skills you will have to bring to the table. Tailor each question to fit your job application, and don’t forget to do your research on the company. Remember not to discuss salary and benefits in the initial interview. Usually, remuneration discussions are conducted after 2 rounds of interviews. All the best for your interview!

by Talentese Team 24/11/2017

7 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want to Build a Great Career 

What Are The (Common) Things That People Who Do a Good Career Have?

by Talentese Team 14/11/2018

You are great at your work. You’re hardworking, innovative and love a great challenge! But what happens in the long run? How do you avoid costly pitfalls in the career race? We all make mistakes, there’s no avoiding that! The trick is to learn from them.

1. Don’t stop challenging yourself:

Always stay updated with the latest innovations and ideas in your work sphere. Be aware of new technologies and software. This will help in keeping a pulse of the market. Also, this is a fantastic way to convert your current weaknesses into strengths. Simultaneously, you are working on your personal employee branding. In case you are ever in need of new concepts, you can always have a one up on your peers! To get more information, visit career counseling for experienced professionals.

2. Don’t stop updating your profile:

It is extremely important to keep your resume updated at all times. When you apply for a great new opportunity, the first thing any recruiter or interviewer wants is an updated resume. Don’t get so complacent in your current job that you forget to look for greener pastures. Employee branding only works, if you are able to take advantage of the job market. Link your professional media presence in your resume.

3. Don’t let go of Networking opportunities:

Many people make the costly mistake of networking only with colleagues in the office. They forget that the world is an endless networking space! Attend industry fairs, seminars and exhibitions to constantly meet new people. Remember to be sociable and keep in touch professionally (Fortune.com, 2015). Work on your employee branding! Career guidance counselors who provide career counseling for experienced professionals believe that your contacts can provide you with valuable feedback, market updates, and possible job opportunities. Interact with your peers as often as possible.

4. Don’t focus only on financial gain:

Always look for newer opportunities, but don’t worry too much about the salary. Career guidance counselors stress that, if the new job is with a bigger or better company, then you could consider it. Your focus should be on employee branding, gaining knowledge and learning, rather than just the salary or remuneration. Treat the new job with enthusiasm to learn new skills, get better responsibilities, and also manage a larger team. At the end of the day, your happiness and satisfaction matter! A new job, with better learning initiatives, is a great way to start.

5. Don’t say yes to everything:

It is difficult to say no. But it is physically and emotionally impossible to keep everyone happy. It is very important to respectfully decline certain situations and opportunities. Career counseling for experienced professionals believe that smart employees know which battles to choose. In order to improve effectiveness, you must be prepared to say no sometimes (Entrepreneur, 2015). Remember to be extremely respectful and humble while declining.

6. Don’t forget your budget:

Often times, people neglect to forecast their needs and wants. You should always maintain control on personal and professional expenses. Managing monthly expenses is important to space out spending capacity. This is a great way to attain self-discipline in monetary terms as you learn the importance of curbing expenses and building savings. This way, there are always contingencies to fall back on in case of a personal or professional emergency.

7. Don’t ignore feedback:

Be mindful of feedback from customers and colleagues. Improvements to your personal work and that of the company should always be a priority. No business can run successfully without satisfied customers. Employee branding will improve with better reviews from returning customers. Their word is usually treated as final (PsychologyToday, 2014). Career guidance counselors assist in improving your communication skills to deal with negative feedback. Always take improvements into consideration on the basis of feedback received from regular clients. Building a strong support system can reap awesome rewards in the end.

Follow these important tips of ‘what not to do’ to have successful careers. These are important cheat codes to further your growth and success. Avoid these major roadblocks and always keep an open mind about your career standing. Be quick to adapt and respond to change with enthusiasm. Remember to keep working on your employee branding and to visit a career guidance counselor regularly. Keep networking and stay one step ahead of your colleagues. Your stellar career path will start to brighten instantly!

by Talentese Team 01/12/2017