In Part 1 of this post I encouraged you to think about the perceived gaps in your skills and experience for the proposed role you are applying for. I recommended that you address this when answering the question about weaknesses during the interview.
Now, suppose you are feeling really bolshie, and the interview is going swimmingly and then the interviewer says, do you have any questions for us?
Now, you should always have 2-3 insightful questions prepared. Don’t waste minutes asking for e.g. what the next steps are (this can be handled as part of the goodbye) or e.g. what your starting times would be.
Use the time meaningfully. I’ll let you know in another post the 2-3 questions you should always ask in an interview, but for now, here is the one question you MUST always ask. I call this the boss maneuver mostly because you need some courage to ask this question.
Ask this:
You’ve seen my CV and we have had a good interview. Are you able to tell me where you think my gaps are – for me to do the role and be the candidate you’d like to select? I would like a chance to address this please.
Now, if the hiring manager was paying attention during the interview, and if they rate higher on leadership and empathy, they are likely to give a nugget for you to respond to. Address this right away.
Or they could say that they don’t see any gaps. Now, someone as straight forward as me would laugh at that and remark “oh so you’re saying I’m the perfect candidate then.”
Of course, that’s just me because …..well, that’s my personality.
You do what works for you. The point is that you are asking them to tell you where you stand as a candidate – and if they have view that is not accurate, at least you get an opportunity to address it right there. Be courageous folks – fortune favours the brave.
So friends, have you ever asked this question before? What happened? And did you get the role?
#leadership #communication
