9 good interview questions to ask

• 2-minute read •
Interviews aren't just about giving the right answers—they're about asking the right questions.
The landscape for job seekers today can be difficult. In other words, if you want a job today, the hard work starts when you prepare for the interview.

That means not just nailing the interview questions you are asked, but actually asking the kinds of questions designed to make the interviewer sit up and take notice. It’s no longer enough to be qualified. If you want a job in today’s business environment, you have to shine, and there’s no better way to show your excellence than by asking excellent questions. These questions could also help you avoid a bad boss before it's too late.

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9 good interview questions to ask

• 2-minute read •
Interviews aren't just about giving the right answers—they're about asking the right questions.
The landscape for job seekers today can be difficult. In other words, if you want a job today, the hard work starts when you prepare for the interview.
That means not just nailing the interview questions you are asked, but actually asking the kinds of questions designed to make the interviewer sit up and take notice. It’s no longer enough to be qualified. If you want a job in today’s business environment, you have to shine, and there’s no better way to show your excellence than by asking excellent questions. These questions could also help you avoid a bad boss before it's too late.

Read More

Can I ask for a raise yet? How to ask for a raise

• 2-minute read •
Four tips on how—and when—to request your salary increase.
If you stayed employed during the recent recession, there's a good chance you didn't get a raise. You probably felt scared asking for one. You may even have taken a pay cut. And you've probably been told—or you've at least told yourself—that you should be grateful to have a job at all.

But now that the recession is behind us, a question arises: When is it safe to ask for a raise?

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Questions to ask in interviews

OK, so you filled out the application form, got through all the testing and answered all their questions easily. Now your faced with your greatest challenge!

The dreaded question, "is there anything you would like to ask us?". DOH! You know you can't just say "no, I'm fine" and walk away.

This is your final test - all the rest was just a warm up - this is the big game!

Most of the questions to ask, below, would naturally have to be tailored for each position applied for (I can't hold your hand all the way through your application process - you're just gonna have to learn to stand on your own two feet!).

What scope for promotion and upward progress is there within this company?

This shows that you are both keen and are making long term plans to remain with the company.

Is the company planning any expansions or developments that might lead to further career opportunities?

This shows that you are taking an interest in the company, and again that you are making long term plans to remain with them.

I am keen to further develop my skills and experience. What sort of scope is there to do this within your company?

Employers will value potential as much as existing skills and experience. You will be perceived to be more valuable to them if they think your skills and knowledge will continuingly grow. Also, most employers will have some sort of training or staff facilities in place, so it's always good to let them know they're not wasting their money!

Relate to your past experience.

For example, if you found a previous job not to be challenging enough, then say so at your interview.

Ask your potential employer how they will challenge you! :)

Note: If you tell them that you found your previous job dull and boring, but you are applying for the same role in a different company, then the chances are that you won't get the job!

Relate to what they have been telling you at the interview.

If you bring something up that they have mentioned to before, it shows that you have been listening (which is the least that they can expect from you after all!).

Say something along the lines of, "You said before that you are expanding into the music business. I have a particular interest in the music industry, so would it be possible, nearer the time, for me to participate in this?".

Relate to the industry.

Read up on the industry that your potential employer works in.

If there have been notable developments recently, then bring them up (ask what impact the developments had on their business.

How to Ask for the Job

One of the great qualities that children possess is the ability to ask for what they want, from extended playtime to an extra piece of cake for dessert. Not only do children ask for what they want, but they don’t give up. They conspire, they’re tenacious, and if one method doesn’t work, they try another.

Then something happens as we grow older and we acquire hang-ups that hold us back from going after what we want. We develop emotions such as pride, embarrassment, and self-consciousness that hinder our professional and personal growth.

These feelings tend to creep up during the interview process. Consequently, most candidates are intimidated to ask for the job because they are afraid of a “no” response. But there are a few ways you can broach the subject without actually saying, “Can I please have the job?”

Let’s take a look at a few alternatives.

Visualization Approach: This method is where you talk as though you are already part of the team by using words such as “we,” “us,” and “our” during the conversation. Doing so will allow the interviewer to visualize you in the position.

Here’s an example:

“As a team member of The International of the Intercups, I would provide our clients with thorough information regarding their accounts, and would handle all inquiries and discrepancies with confidentiality.”

If you use this approach throughout the interview, you will notice that the interviewer will begin to use the words “we” and “us” as well. This technique will bring you closer to a job offer.

Summation Approach: Lay out all the facts—the exact reasons there is a match between you and the employer.

Here’s an example:

“Throughout our conversation today, I have learned about the dynamics of your company, its culture, and the responsibilities of the position. I’m glad to see that your requirements match my experience to the letter—from my ability to manage corporate accounts to my ability to cultivate new business. I look forward to participating in the rest of the interview process and optimistically anticipate being a part of your team.”

Don’t assume the interviewer will connect all the dots. It is up to you to enlighten the interviewer on why there is a mutual benefit and why they should extend a job offer.

Straightforward Approach: This approach is simple, clear-cut.

Here’s an example:

“I’m interested in the position. Have I provided all the information you need to offer me the position?”

Rumor has it that some interviewers are disappointed when candidates don’t ask for the position. Try it. You may be surprised by the interviewer’s response.