Page 160 - John Kador - 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview-McGraw-Hill (2002)
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BID-FOR-ACTION QUESTIONS



                                   ?            Memorably Bad Question

                                                              #21
                                   How long it is going to be, exactly, before I get a job from
                                   your company?

                                   We couldn’t say, exactly, but don’t hold your breath.
                                                             ACT-1 Recruiter
                                                             Denver, CO



                                12-3
                                Mr. Employer, I’m not going to keep it a secret. I really want this job,
                                and I know I will be fantastic in it.
                                Now shut up and listen. Resist the temptation to justify this bold statement.
                                If you are in a dead heat with two other candidates, all other things being
                                equal, you can bet that the most enthusiastic job seeker will get the nod.

                                12-4
                                Until I hear from you again, what particular aspects of the job and this
                                interview should I be considering?
                                Notice how confident the question is. It’s not “if” but “when.” The ques-
                                tion deftly reminds the interviewer that just as the company is consid-
                                ering you, you are considering the company.
                                12-5
                                I know I can meet the demands of the position and would make an out-
                                standing contribution. Can I have the offer?
                                Confronted so directly, the interviewer must make a statement about
                                your chances of being hired. If the interviewer doesn’t, he or she isn’t in-
                                terested in you at all.

                                12-6
                                What will be your recommendation to the hiring committee?
                                Phrased like this, you are flattering the interviewer that his or her rec-
                                ommendation is valuable.



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