Greg Smith

The Number One Interview Question



Posted: Sunday, June 06, 2010

by Greg Smith

If you have ever participated in an interview, it's highly likely you've been asked this question just before the end of the interview, "So do you have any questions for us?" More than likely, in response to this question you've probably done what most people do and responded, "No, not that I can think of." Wrong answer! While there are many possible questions you could ask, I recently came across a great suggestion. In Dan O' Connor's Professional Communication podcast, he suggests you ask the following million dollar question at the end of every interview, "What reservations do you have, or reasons why you might not give me this job?" This question just blew my mind when I heard it because it's so powerful and relevant. By asking this question, you've forced the hiring manager to open up to you. Psychologically, they will feel compelled to describe to you any shortcomings they may have noted in the interview. This is gold for you because not only does it tell you what you need to address, but it also gives you an opportunity to address it right there, while you're still at the interview. What this does it it prevents those afterthought moments we all have where we second guess ourselves with thoughts of, "I should have said that", and the like.

As an example here's how it would unfold. The manager/employer says, "So do you have any questions for us?" In response you say, "What reservations do you have, or reasons why you might not give me this job?" The employer, after pausing and hesitating for several seconds might say something like, "Well we were looking for someone with past experience in labor relations." And of course this would be the point where you turn around and relate to the hiring manager that you didn't realize it was such a critical part of the job, and you go on to list your experience in this area (hopefully you have some). Problem solved. You have addressed any concerns the potential hiring manager/company may have had about you before walking out the door. If you don't address their concerns before you leave, then it's too late for you.

I encourage you to use this technique at all your interviews, and I'm sure the more you use it, the less interviews you'll find yourself attending. And more importantly, you can get a good night's sleep after that interview. No more second guessing!

Greg Smith is a police officer, father, husband, educator, writer, speaker and student of life. Some of his previous works have been featured in Readers Digest, Blue Line, Legion Canada, and Our Canada magazines. He also writes a monthly column for his local newspaper on speaking and communication. He also is the author of a personal development blog called Copservations. You can visit Greg's blog at: http://copservations.com

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 354 days ago.
153 fans.
It's a great idea to take your power back in an interview. It sends all kinds of subtle messages, also, which have a big effect.
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