What if there is ONE question you should always ask during your interview?
Questions you ask serve extremely valuable purposes. They show the employer that you are serious enough to wanna find out more about them, they can show how well-prepared you are, and that you have paid attention during the meeting.
Also, your questions can demonstrate your attitude and values, and most importantly, you can find out key information that you really want to have about the employer that you can use to your advantage during the interview process. And that is what I'm going to talk about today.
So, what is the one question you should always ask?
It is: “What are the biggest challenges your team is currently facing, and how can I help?
There are other ways to ask this as well, and they are:
"If I am given the chance to join your team, what are the most important or urgent things I can do to add value?
“If I am given the opportunity to join your company, what are the first things you'd like me to do?”
“If I were to join your team, what is the first thing I can do to make your life easier?”
Let me explain why this question is essential if you want to have a successful interview.
1. You're demonstrating that you care about the employer's needs
You see, most candidates (in fact, most people) only focus on themselves - their own experience, their career goals, what they want to achieve, and what they will get out of the job.
Obviously, nothing wrong with that, and it’s necessary - don't get me wrong. But remember, when any company is looking to hire someone, the main reason is not because of what the job seeker is looking for.
Ultimately, when a company is hiring someone, it's because they want to meet THEIR (the employer's) needs. Whether it be problems to be resolved, challenges to overcome, projects to deliver, etc., that is the reason an employer chooses to bring a new person to their team.
So from the interviewer’s point of view, this kind of question (how can I help or how can I add value?) can make them feel that you care about them, the challenges they are going through, and how you can help them!
Just think about it. Imagine that you are the interviewer. You’re conducting the interview and the meeting is coming to an end and you ask the candidate if he/she has any questions.
How would you feel when the job seeker takes a genuine interest in the challenges you’re currently facing and wants to find out how he/she can help YOU overcome those obstacles, lighten your load, and/or make your life easier? Of course, you will be highly appreciative of their interest and attitude.
Trust me; most candidates do not do this. Just by asking this question alone, you will likely stand out and make a lasting positive impression.
2. It helps you identify the employer's biggest needs for the position
The number 1 thing you need if you want to sell your candidacy and experience with maximum impact, is to accurately understand what the employer needs and wants the most
And this is not just for interviews. To sell anything well, you need to know the deepest and greatest desire of the buyer/customer
In the same way, to truly convince the employer that you're the ideal person they should hire, you need to demonstrate that you know what their needs are and that you’re the ideal person to meet those very needs and solve their problems.
It takes much more than just talking about your strengths. why? because everyone has some strong points especially if they are getting an interview. but which of your skills and experience is the most valuable and most applicable to the hiring manager?
If you do not know the answer to this question, it would be equivalent to shooting in the dark. You may get lucky sometimes, but your results will not be consistent, and you will not be in control of your interview process.
By asking this question, you can find out the number one thing, their most important or urgent tasks they need you to work on - their biggest need for creating this job.
And then, you can position yourself precisely for their most significant needs and explain to them why your specific strengths and background are the ideal match for their requirements.
So start asking this question in your interviews!
Again, you can say: “What are the biggest challenges your team is currently facing, and how can I help?"
Other ways to ask are:
"If I am given the chance to join your team, what are the most important or urgent things I can do to add value?
“If I am given the opportunity to join your company, what are the first things you'd like me to do?”
“If I were to join your team, what is the first thing I can do to make your life easier?”
Note: This video is brought to you by Pinpoint Asia in partnership with Elevation Career. Pinpoint Asia and Elevation Career are separate companies with no affiliation with each other.
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