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 We're going to provide you with a two-for-one article here because questioning during an interview can happen in both directions, as it does in everyday conversation. The interviewer will have lots of questions about your work and job background, but you might also be asked if you have any questions about the job or the company itself.
So we're going to split up our interview questions into two sections. Those questions that you might be asked during an interview and those that you might want to ask the interview team. As an added bonus, we'll even throw in some of those famous Microsoft questions and even a short list of questions you might want to avoid asking during an interview.
Example Questions You Might Be Asked
There is no doubt that you might be asked some pretty difficult technical questions during a job interview. Technical and skill questions should be pretty easy for you to answer. You've either done it all before or you've done something close.
The more difficult interview questions you might be asked are those that prompt you to talk about yourself in a more personal way. Here is our list of four types of these questions and things you should think through before responding:
Tell me why we should hire you?
This question often makes job candidates nervous about boasting. You cannot be shy in talking about all you have to offer the company. This is your opportunity to talk about your strengths. Just be careful that you don't start "walking on water."
What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?
This is another example of a question that prompts us to start talking about ourselves. The key here is to be prepared with a fairly detailed story - from start to finish. You want to give the interviewer a feel for how well you can communicate and your ability to remember details. A good story here can leave the interviewer with a lasting impression.
How many hours each week do you typically need to get your job done?
This type of question is sometimes used to get a feel for the applicant's work ethic. Are you a "9 - 5" employee or willing to "go the extra mile" to get the job done. Gaining some insight into an applicant's work ethic often helps a potential employer figure out how well the applicant will fit in with their coworkers.
How long does it take you to make a decision?
This last example is a question that helps the interviewer to better understand how you're going to act at work. We make decisions all the time, so getting a feel for the process you go through can help the hiring company figure out if you're a good fit. Some people run entire companies based on "gut," while others need all the data in the world and still cannot make a decision. Most of us operate somewhere in-between these two extremes.
Famous Microsoft Interview Questions
Whether or not it is legend or fact, Microsoft is a company that's often associated with asking off-the-wall questions during an interview. In fact, these questions are aimed at assessing the candidate's ability to think logically.
The following is a short list of riddles that are often associated with Microsoft:
- How many gas stations are there in the USA?
- How would you move Mt. Everest?
- Why is a manhole cover round?
- You have an unlimited supply of water and a 5 quart and 3 quart bucket, how can you measure exactly 4 quarts of water?
For some of these questions, there is a definitive answer, for others the most important thing is the explanation of how you'd arrive at the answer.
Asking Questions During an Interview
There may be several opportunities during the interview to ask questions, but during the close of the interview you can almost be guaranteed the interviewer is going to ask you if you've got any questions of your own. It's a natural spot to ask you that question - after all, you've been listening to explanations and you've probably been asked quite a few questions already.
If you're really interested in working with this company, then you should be prepared with several questions that you'd like to ask - for two reasons. The first reason is because it helps you understand the company a little bit better. The second reason is that is demonstrates to the interviewer your interest in working for their company.
Questions You Should Ask on an Interview
If you have a question about something a member of the interview team said earlier, now is the time to ask a clarifying question. If you've already gotten all of those questions out of the way, then here is a short list of questions you might want to consider asking during an interview:
- Can you tell me a little about the team members that I'd be working with?
- What's the most valuable contribution I can make during my first 90 days?
- What strengths do you see in me and what possible weaknesses are you concerned about?
Asking Good Questions - More Examples
If you've already thought of a couple of good questions that you want to ask, here are a couple of hints on how to go about asking your questions. That's right, there is an art to asking questions and how you ask a question can tell the interviewer a lot about the way you think.
The single most important rule in asking good questions is simply this:
Make sure you ask an open-ended question.
In case you don't know what an open ended question, here are two examples:
Based on what I've told you so far, do you think I can do the job?
This question is not open ended, because the interviewer can simply respond with a "yes" or "no" answer. Instead, you should ask the question in this manner:
Based on what I've told you so far, do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to do the job?
This second question will elicit the response you are looking for in the first place. It is an open-ended question that creates additional dialog between you and the interviewer. You should also avoid asking questions that might be viewed as a threat. And if you want to stay on the good side of the interviewer, you might want to ask a question that you know they can easily answer.
Questions to Avoid During an Interview
We're going to finish up with examples of questions that you should never ask during an interview - for obvious reasons. Some might seem funny, but they've all been asked before:
- What's your company policy on leaving early or showing up late for work?
- How many sick days do I get each year?
- Can you tell me what this company does?
- How many single women do you think there are in this building?
- Does your break room have a television set?
These are just a small sample of the types of questions you want to avoid asking during an interview. They send the wrong message to the interview team. If you've been asking these types of questions, then that could very well be the reason you're still looking for a job.
About the Author - Interview Questions
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