Questions for Conversation

One of the things that we have discussed, is the need to ensure that the power imbalance is rectified and that the conversation becomes and adult to adult conversation. What we don’t want to find ourselves doing, is simply waiting for a question to be asked and, after responding, await the next one.

Remember that the interview is a two way conversation about you and about the organisation.

We want to prepare interesting, open ended and memorable questions, in order to leave them with an impression. Remember the process that we went through at the beginning, when we asked the question It’s no more than another form of nudge.

Recency Effect

The asking of great questions is a nudge factor that plays into what is known as the Recency Effect. We have already discussed how important first impressions are (Primacy Effect), and we are now talking about what we leave them with, or our most recent transaction (Recency Effect).

The recency effect is the tendency to remember the most recently presented information best. So, if the last impression they have of you is that of an articulate and fluent conversationist, who was able to engage in dialogue and ask strategic and well thought out questions, then we have been able to capitalise on this idea. This is one component of the serial position effect, which can really work in our favour.

Questioning technique

One of the things that we need to think about is how we ask questions, so that they seem to fit into the context of the conversation. The idea being to be as natural as possible, so that the flow and energy of the dialogue is not interrupted.

Ensure the context: There is nothing worse than asking a question, simply because you feel you need to. A question out of context can feel like you are nervous, unprepared and awkward in your communication, and can leave the interviewer/s feeling the same way. This is not the recency effect that we are looking for. Have a few questions that cover off areas of the interview that you are likely to discuss, or that are connected to your messaging. Memorise them, so that they come out the right way. Always start your question with a segway statement, that gives the question legitimacy.

Ask with confidence: If you are going to engage, then do so with confidence. If you think that something is important, then give it the level of importance that it deserves. Tell them why it’s important and expect that you will get a response that is a legitimate response. Don’t apologise for the question or make excuses for asking, just ask and wait for a response.

Make it intelligent: Make certain that the question is worthy of a response. A lot of people ask questions that are poorly thought out, or really not that important, in the overall scheme of things. Great questions are legitimate and intelligent question, that leave and impression on the interviewer and ensure we are memorable.

Introductory words: Integrating the question into the dialogue can sometimes feel a little awkward. Integrating statements can make the question seem more conversational and natural. Statements like;

Potential Questions

About the job at hand

• Can you walk me through a day in this position? What will it look like?
• What are examples of projects I could be working on?
• Do you expect the main responsibilities to evolve in the next six months or year?
• Is this a new role? If not, what are the challenges people in this position commonly face? 
• What does success look like in this role? And how do you measure it?
• Can you tell me about the team, I will be working with?
• Is the work style more independent or collaborative?
• Is there room for advancement in my team or are there professional development opportunities available to employees?

About the company culture

• Based on the company’s culture, what does it value the most?
• How does the company promote employee wellness or work-life balance?
• Do teams typically spend time together outside of the office?
• Is there a system in place for performance review and feedback?

For the interviewer

• How did you find yourself working here?
• What have you enjoyed the most about being part of this company?
• What do you like most about your team?
• How has your role evolved since you started?
• How would you describe your management style?
• Do you have any creative pursuits or hobbies outside of this position?

To conclude

• Can I answer any final questions for you?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?

Additional Information

What’s next?