Part 2
The following two questions are critical in the interviewing process because they establish a lasting impression of you. When you hear the following two questions, this is the home stretch! But it is not over just yet – these questions are critical to your interview because they establish a lasting impression of you, and they are also arguably the most overlooked!
Why should I hire you?
Often, interviewers review many resumes and conduct several interviews to find the best person for the job. This the perfect opportunity to set yourself apart from the rest.
Don’t: Simply give a generic statement like “Because I am the best.” or “I am a hard worker…” – this is a subjective and insufficient response.
Do: Gather key points from the job posting and throughout the interview that lets the employer know you truly understand your potential assigned duties and highlight several reasons why this is a great fit for the company and yourself.
Do you have any questions?
This is not a trick question. Employers are interested in knowing if they can clarify anything for you before they go back and make a tough decision.
Don’t: Leave the interview without asking a question! Also, do NOT ask anything considered self-serving such as pay, or company benefits. You should always do your research on how much your role pays on average, what benefits they have to offer before entering an interview, and if this fits your needs. You may negotiate once the employer extends the offer to join the company.
Do: Come prepared to ask 2-3 questions engaging questions regarding more information about the role, the culture around the workplace, and anything else you need to determine if this is a good fit for you.
Lastly,
Don’t: Think you can wing your interview by coming in unprepared. It shows in your responses and body language.
Do: Practice and research for your interview. Remember to keep your responses between 30 seconds to 1 minute long. Longer than this may lose the interviewer’s interest or reveal irrelevant information.
Don’t panic if you did not get stuck or did not understand a question. Simply ask the interviewer if they can repeat or rephrase the question for your understanding. It is worth noting that you were called in to interview because they believe you may be fit for the opportunity – it is up to you to make the impression that you are the one. Best of luck, all!
Omar Martinez is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions in the Houston – Galveston Region. Prior to joining the team, Omar served as a resource specialist helping customers get back into the workforce by reviewing current labor market information, job-readiness skills, and community resources. Omar’s continued driving force is to help customers get a job, keep a job, or get a better job by conducting job skills seminars throughout the 13 counties of the Gulf Coast region. He holds a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston.
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