Have a Great Interview - Make it a Conversation, Not an Interrogation

Last week I wrote an article about what questions you should ask at the end of your interview.  It was so well received I decided to expand on the topic a bit.  I'd also like to say a quick thank you to everyone who commented across various forums.  I've enjoyed responding to you and really appreciate the time you took to ask questions and give your opinions.  Keep it coming!

Related: What to Ask During Your Interview

When you go for an interview you 
want it to go really well.  In fact, you want to be so amazing they can't even dream of hiring anyone else.  At the end of your interview you want to be seen as the only answer to their hiring question.  Easier said than done.  The other candidates will be just as qualified and skilled as you are.  They'll be just as experienced and knowledgeable, too.  The trick is to make yourself stand out.  In a good way.  But how do you go about it?

A typical interview is a question and answer session where you capably answer the questions asked of you.  It's sort of like a friendly interrogation.  Or maybe not so friendly, depending on your interviewer.  But a great interview is a conversation with both sides taking part asking, and answering questions of each other.  So, how do you manage that?

Related:  What Should & Shouldn't be on Your Resume

1.  At some point during the interview you'll be given an explanation of the position, responsibilities and how it fits within the company.  Ask how the department/group goes about deciding what projects to pursue.  Ask at what level are these decisions made, is it a very high level managerial decision or is it discussed as a team?  Knowing how the group operates not only lets you know whether this is a system that will work for you, but by asking shows your interest in being an involved and contributing team member.  Side note - I can't take credit for this one.  It was suggested to me in a comment on LinkedIn by Andrei Chapoval.  Thanks Andrei!  

2.  A favorite question of mine to ask is about the company culture.  The right time to ask is during lunch, if it's that sort of interview, or while walking as they're showing you around.  Showing an interest in the culture demonstrates that you're interested in fitting in.  One of the most important aspects when I hire someone, aside from skill set/experience, is their personality and how well they'll fit with the rest of the group.  The most important thing you'll get out of this is insight into how comfortable you'll be working there.  It's important to know before you accept any job.  Simply ask, "What's the company culture?  What is it like to work here?"  You'll get valuable information and make yourself look good, all at the same time.


3.  My other favorite 
question to ask is, "What do you like best about working here?"  People love to talk about themselves and their work.  Interviewers included.  I have yet to have anyone not answer this for me.  Not only will you learn a lot about the company but, by asking about others, they begin to form a connection with you.  We all like people who seem interested in what we have to say, and we only hire people we like.  Now, most of the time the answers are an enthusiastic list of the benefits and joys of working for that company.  If the person is especially talkative I'll ask the follow up question, "What do you like least about working here?"  The answer to this question can be particularly eye opening and give you some idea of any warning signs that this might not be the place for you.  Remember, you're not the only one on best behavior wanting to give a good impression.  They are, too.

Related:  Your Resume Isn't Enough, Anymore

There are a couple of benefits to turning your interview into a conversation rather than a one-sided interrogation.  You'll be seen as interested, engaged and ready to be a contributing team player.  You'll learn invaluable information about the company that wouldn't otherwise come up that could help make your decision of whether or not you want to work there.  And most importantly, it will help you build a connection with the people interviewing you.  Just don't ask your questions like you're interrogating them.  Ask them conversationally and casually. Get the other person talking.  Humans love to talk about themselves.  And as long as you're being interviewed by a human, you'll be on the right track to success.