The questions during the final interview have to be different than the ones you as a candidate would have asked during your first interview. That’s because the objective to be achieved differs at both stages.
Let me share with you a set of three questions which are mandatory for you as a candidate to ask during the final interview. The purpose of these questions is two fold, one to further impress the interviewer and second to gain inputs that help you decide whether the job is suitable for you or not.
The 3 questions are:
Question 1- “During our last meeting, you provided me with some inputs on the challenges that you are currently facing in the delivery of the project as per timeline. On the basis of those, I did my research and also thought of what I had done while handling a similar challenge. Can I share my thoughts on how to go about it?”
Advantage: It reflects your high level of interest in the job. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to explain what you can do for the company by adding value. Also, there could be an input you may have missed out during your first interview which you can now touch upon and further impress the interviewer. Additionally, depending upon the response from the interviewer, you get assured that your capability matches a key requirement of the job.
Question 2– What are your expectations from me during the initial 90 days in case I am selected?
Advantage: There could be high expectations which is alright because in today’s dynamic marketplace organizations seek outstanding performers who are valuable. But this question will also tell you if the expectations are either unrealistic or mismatched with your skill sets. For example, in project management, expecting a TAT (turn around time) to be reduced within an unduly short time will need to be evaluated for it’s feasibility. That will require further probing on your part regarding the gap areas which will then tell you whether the expectation is realistic or not. Though expectations keep changing in a dynamic and evolving world, this question can tick off major areas of mismatch if any, between your overall skills sets and the expected delivery areas. And in case you feel confident that you are going to surpass or meet the expectations, this stage is appropriate to reiterate your certainty level by demonstrating with examples that you can do it. This ensures that you stand out as a candidate as compared to others.
Question 3] What is the work culture of the organisation?
Advantage– It gives you a sense about the organization’s DNA which helps you match yours. After you have heard the prospective employer out, this question gives you an opportunity to clarify any areas of concern that you may have or anything that you would have heard about the culture which impacts your decision to join or not if selected. Do remember, just like the prospective employer, you too have every right to decide whether it is a suitable job or not.
You might want to add another question depending upon your situation but a word of caution here. All the questions need to be well thought out because an irrelevant question or an inappropriate manner of putting them across can boomerang. It may run the risk of losing an attractive offer or you taking a wrong decision. More so because being the final interview stage, both you and the prospective employer would be close to taking a decision.
Now that you ready to fire the right questions, you should be in a position to grab the right offer.
Best of luck!!
Sarabjeet Sachar
Seasoned Career Coach, Founder & CEO, Aspiration