What's the killer question in a job interview?

In my 15 years in Global Executive Search I've interviewed over 6000 people, so as you'd probably expect by now I have a few insights I can share around the topic that can put you in drivers seat.

It's true to say that in books and film, the ones that captivate us have an engaging beginning, solid middle content and a memorable ending - same goes for effective interviews! 

I’d like to share with you a job-landing strategy that will instantly make you more approachable and employable and all of it hinges on your ability to respond effectively to one of the most common (yet one of the most under leveraged) interview questions: (Usually asked in the final 5 MINUTES of a 1 HOUR Interview)

Employer - “So, do you have any questions for me?”

Prospective employers almost always ask this one – especially at the end of the interview. Most job-hunting books, interviewing resources and career coaches will advise you to respond with intelligent, creative questions such as:

Why is this position vacant?
Do you promote from within?
Do you have a formal training program?
What are the future goals of the company?
Why did YOU choose to work for this company?
How would you describe your company culture?
How will my performance be evaluated, and how often?

Great questions but many people will ask these so it's not differentiated you - Here’s the reality

The less boring and normal you are; and the more rules to which you challenge the status quo – the more hireable you will become. Its absolutely proven that people who can integrate appropriate level humour and bravery are seen as the future business leaders and hence MORE HIREABLE. 

So, try this: Next time your interviewer asks “So, do you have any questions for me?”  

Yes: Thank You...

Do you see any gaps in my qualifications, skills or experience that I need to address for this position?

OR

Are there any reasons you see I’m not fully qualified for this position?

OR

Now that you’ve interviewed me, what reservations might you have in putting me in this position? (Notice this is a leading question??) Asking "Are there ...gives the opportunity for the interviewer to take the easy path and say their aren't any.

Here’s why this strategy works:

You put the interviewer on the spot for the best thing a candidate can ever want..immediate feedback!. After all, you’re not the only one being interviewed here. So, turning the tables in this manner helps you maintain power because – contrary to popular conditioning – the listener controls. 

Here you're demonstrating openness to feedback on how others experience you. Second, you show a dedication to improving self-awareness and that’s exactly the type of employee companies seek.

You exhibit dedication to personal improvement which makes you an employee who adds value and therefore, the continued increased net worth of the company assets. 

Job interviews are sales calls. Period. You’re selling the company on you, your skills and your long-term potential as a valued asset to the team. So, when you ask closing questions like these, you’re essentially “asking for the sale and doing so in a professional, tactful and confident manner.

Now, here’s the worst thing that could happen

Let’s say you’ve done something wrong. Or missed the mark. Or come up short in regards to the position.
Fantastic! You’ve just received specific feedback that you can now leverage to add value to yourself and become more hireable in the future.
Write down his response to your questions, right then and there. This demonstrates active listening and further reinforces your openness to feedback.

If the answer is "no, I cant see any reservations why we wouldn't proceed" don't lose the momentum you have already gained by putting the interviewer into the hot seat. If you're in this position the door is now open to ask questions about the next stage in the process.
You deserve this job a hundred times more than every other candidate who walked in the door before you. 

Finally, there's only one place the interviewer can go to sit on the proverbial fence and not make a commitment .... "We have other candidates to consider and will be back to you once we have seen everybody".

Now this may be the truth but there is one further question you could ask to qualify as far where your application stands ..... "If I was the only applicant, based on my suitability for this position would I be moving forward in your process" ?

This question brings the answer back to your application and there's no where for the interviewer to go. You will either now get the honest opinion "hidden reservation" or the thumbs up that there are no reservations. 

If done efficiently you will be one of few candidates who walks out of every interview knowing exactly where YOU stand !

Finally, never under estimate the power of vulnerability. If you're willing to put yourself on the line to get constructive feedback the Managers worth working for will respect you and its a powerful way to build deeper rapport than the other applicants who will get their feedback from a recruiter later that day or the next.

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