Interviewing is a two-way street. The hiring manager is trying to find out if you’ll be a good fit for the position and you’re trying to determine if this company and its culture are right for you. You’ll have an opportunity at the end of the interview to ask insightful questions that let the manager know that you’re interested in the job and if you’ve taken the time to do your homework.
Candidates who have no additional questions are not viewed favorably. You have to show that you want to be there and are engaged and committed to the process. Often, the offer comes down to attitude and a willingness to learn about the company and this particular role.
Prepare at least 5 questions to demonstrate your interest and ask at least 2 or 3 of those. Be sure to ask open-ended questions… not ones that can be answered with a “yes” or “no.” You want to develop a rapport and make a good impression.
Here are some proven examples of questions that make an impact:
Can you describe the company culture? You need to know what kind of company you’ll be working for. The answer will help you determine if you’re a good fit and whether you’ll thrive in this environment.
Who do you feel is your closest competition and why? You may already know who is in the market based on your research, but it’s informative for the hiring manager to give you his thoughts. They can provide an insight you may not find and will be useful to you.
What are your expectations for me in the first 30-60 days? This information will help you understand what you’ll be accountable for right away. Is there a pressing challenge that needs to be met?
How has the company changed over the years? This will give you an idea of how the hotel has evolved to meet the changing expectations of guests. Are they keeping up with the latest tech and what market are they targeting?
What opportunities are there for career development? Does the company offer formal or informal professional training? Are they dedicated to professional growth? This shows you are committed to staying current with new skills and technologies and value learning throughout your career.
What is the most challenging part of the job? This will give you a little history about this position and what skills and experiences will be needed. It shows you’ve given some thought to your suitability for this role.
What is your management style? This question will help you determine if the hotel’s top leaders will be a more “hands-on” and involved mentor or someone who will allow you the freedom to make your own decisions. Which type of environment will work best for you and your own management style?
How did you arrive at your current role? You’ll gain some insight into the career path current managers have taken and what experience or education they have. Hopefully, you’ll also learn why they chose this hotel and what their expectations are for the future.
How do I compare with the other candidates you’ve interviewed? This is a gutsy question but shows that you are willing to hear constructive criticism and are not afraid to ask tough questions.
What are the next steps? This is a good way to wrap up the interview and find out what happens next in the process. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and find out how to follow up appropriately.
Ask questions in a way that welcomes a meaningful dialogue. You want to demonstrate curiosity about the job and understand what the company is truly like. This is an opportunity to dig deeper into the culture of the company and express your knowledge of the organization. Sometimes the difference between getting the offer and being rejected is asking the right questions.