Ask the Coach: June 16th, 2022

Ask the Coach: June 16th

“I have gone on several job interviews and although I think that they have gone well, none of them have led to an offer. My resume is quite good, and I have the experience for the positions based on the job description – but I am not succeeding.  I can be quite shy and often timid and perhaps that is coming across as a lack of confidence.  Do you have any tips for interviewing and the kinds of questions I should be asking? “

 Thank you in advance., Jennifer B.

Dear Jennifer,

When interviewing we often forget that It is not just whether YOU are a good fit for them…it’s if the EMPLOYER and the JOB is a good fit for you. 

They’ve already done their initial research, and they already believe you qualify. If you are approaching the interview from a research standpoint, you now need to determine if this place of employment is one where you will thrive, grow, and are effective.

With that in mind, here are 8 questions you can ask that cover most of the bases – consider these for your next interview.

1. What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?

This question is on the job itself. It really helps pull from the interviewer what they are looking for in the new hire. You are asking them to specify the type of employee they are looking for while also demonstrating that you are up to the task and will push yourself.

2. What training programs or opportunities are available to your employees?

This is a basic, simple question that could be expanded depending on the answer. Personally, this is my favorite question about training and professional development.

If you have room for a follow up question, ask what conferences or seminars other professionals in this position have been able to attend.  Shows you are keen to continue to grow and learn in the position.

3.Who will I be working most closely with?

This question will help you get a better sense of the dynamics of who your collaborators will be. Jot down names, ask for titles. It is important to evaluate how cross-functional the role is.

4. Is there anything about my background or resume that makes you question whether I am a good fit for this role?

This question displays that you are highly interested and committed to understanding your prospects as a candidate. Plus, it will also allow you an opportunity to respond to any potential concerns. Lastly, this question is best to ask at the end of the interview to gauge where you might stand within the job process.

5. What does success look like in this position, and how do you measure it?

It’s crucial to have a deep understanding of how a company measures success. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) – Key Performance Indicators - for the role? How, and how, are they measured?

6.What are the company’s values? What characteristics do you look for in employees to represent those values?

Get as much information as you can on company culture. You will get insight into what is most important for the company, and what it values in the individuals who work there.

7. What is your favorite part about working at the company?

It’s important to get a sense of your interviewer’s opinions about working there. If enthusiasm flows easily, that’s a good sign. If it doesn’t, that is worth noting too.

8. When can I expect to hear from you?

Ask this at the end to ensure that you have a sense of timing.  You can also ask if there is anything else they would like to know that you haven’t shared already.  Close the interview with the knowledge of when you can expect to hear from them.

We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.

Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.

Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to submissions@explorefenelonfalls.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).