Page 161 - John Kador - 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview-McGraw-Hill (2002)

THE QUESTION LIFE CYCLE

12-7
I’m ready to make a decision based on the information I have. Is there
anything else you need to make me an offer?
An effective one-two punch of a question that combines an expression
of interest with a subtle invitation to see an offer.

12-8
I am very interested in this job,and I know your endorsement is key to my
receiving an offer. May I have your endorsement?
Phrased this way, the question does not request that the interviewer offer
a job, but merely the endorsement. It also flatters the interviewer by
making it clear that his or her recommendation carries considerable
weight, whether it does or not.

12-9
It sounds to me as if we have a great fit here.What do you think?
Note that this is very aggressive phrasing, perhaps best suited for a sales
position.

12-10
It has been an interesting and fruitful discussion. I would very much
like to take it to the next step.
This is a statement rather than a question, but it closes the interview very
effectively by not only requesting a next step, but assuming that there
will be one.

CREATING A SENSE OF URGENCY

If you want to push the interviewer for a decision, you can apply some
subtle pressure by using one of the questions below. You will create a
sense of urgency that might prompt the interviewer to come back with
an offer quicker than he or she might have. But it also introduces a lot of
risk. The interviewer may feel pressured or even bullied. Do it only
when you can afford to lose—if you in fact have other offers in the bank
or you are comfortably employed. These four closes put a little heat on
the interviewer:

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