Business executives typically exemplify traits like determination, resourcefulness, and the keen use of foresight. Most C-suite employees spend years honing their ability to present themselves clearly and articulately, whether they’re delivering a well-prepared speech or speaking off the cuff at an impromptu networking event. Confidence in job interviews stems largely from the skills executives have already cultivated; however, finding career success isn’t just about articulating the perfect response, but also about asking the right questions. Asking questions during an interview shows the HR rep that you’re passionate about the potential job. It also reveals just how well the company may fit your ideal career. During your next executive job interview, ask the interviewer these questions.
5 Questions to Ask Your Job Interviewer
- “What is the office culture like?” Company culture has become a hot business issue in recent years, and for good reason. Nothing tells a business executive how well he or she will fit the company’s model like learning about the preferred dress code, internal structure, team building efforts, and coworker relationships within the company.
- Ask about current situations. Every executive worth his salt does extensive research before interviewing with a new company. Broadcast your knowledge and learn about their current leadership team’s problem-handling skills by asking the about conflict resolution, strategies for achieving growth, and innovative solutions for current situations.
- Get personal. Ask your interviewer how their career has developed to gain a better understanding of the company’s internal structure.
- “Can you describe the relationship between leadership teams and lower level employees?” Few relationships reveal more about the climate of a company than how well their leaders work with the people who form the backbone of the company. Look for good management tactics, areas that need smoothing, and communication breakdowns that could erode trust over time.
- “What questions would you like to ask me, but haven’t?” Whether one of your questions has sparked a new query or the interviewer held back during the initial screening, chances are your interviewer has at least one question up his sleeve. Providing an opening to ask it will leave him with a positive impression of the interview. It also gives you one final opportunity to promote your executive skills.
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