As an industrial interview draws to a close, the last question the interviewer will ask is practically inevitable, yet it leaves a lot of candidates stumped. When you are faced with the classic, “Do you have any questions for me?” close, take the opportunity to find out what you would like to know about the company. When in doubt, consider these questions your go-to solution to keep the conversation going.
“Can you describe a typical workday for a person working in this role?”
While many job postings indicate the specific skills that are required to complete certain job functions, they are not always indicative of an average workday. By asking for examples at the end of your industrial interview, you can see how the hiring manager envisions success in this position. Additionally, if they have difficulties describing how the position fits into the daily picture, it may show that the details are not entirely known, which could translate into some serious adjustment periods when the position is initially filled.
“How is conflict managed within the organization?”
This question is most useful if the interview is with your potential direct supervisor, but can also provide insight if you are interviewing with another person within the management chain. You can learn how the prospective supervisor or manager views conflict resolutions, including their personal style or technique. Depending on the response, this may provide insight to more than just their personal preferences, since an example pulled from a real life experience may show the kinds of conflicts that have occurred previously in that workplace.
“What do you enjoy about working here?”
If the person who is interviewing you is not happy about their current work situation, that stress may flow to those who work for them. By asking them to speak to the positive parts of being with the organization, you can understand which aspects are valued by the interviewer. This can help you set expectations as to how certain portions of the environment or work function. If the interviewer has trouble answering the question, it may be a warning sign that there are issues behind the scenes.
“Over the next five years, how will the company be growing or changing?”
This can also provide insight into how those who work for the organization feel about its current direction. If the interviewer feels positive about future developments, it will likely show in their response. However, if the interviewer cannot seem to find something positive to say, or seems incredibly perplexed by the question in general, it may indicate that the future of the organization is not widely known, may be in flux, or may not be entirely positive.
“Do you have any questions or concerns that are preventing me from being your top candidate for this position?”
This opens the door for the interviewer to ask any follow-up questions that may have come to mind during the process, especially in cases where interview processes are standardized in a way that prevents the interviewer from initially delving deeper. Not only does this show you are confident in your ability to address any concerns, it also provides you an opportunity to address them specifically. If a concern is presented, answer it completely, and then allow them to continue requesting more information as needed.
If you are looking for additional tips for your job hunt, including information on available positions and help for your next industrial interview, we are here to help! Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!
