6 interview questions to impress your interviewer and land the job

Interview preparation is crucial for success, and most of us understand the importance of researching the company and the position description. However, one area that often leaves health and safety professionals stumped is the questions to ask at the end of the interview. 

In this article we share tips and examples to help you impress your interviewer with well-thought-out questions and make informed choices about potential roles. 

The power of well-thought-out questions: 

Towards the end of a job interview, interviewers often wrap up by asking candidates if they have any questions. If you want to impress, please don’t treat this as just a formality. It's an opportunity to showcase your knowledge, interest, and critical thinking skills. By asking insightful questions, you demonstrate your preparation, engagement, and eagerness to learn more about the company and the role. 

6 areas to probe during a job interview 

1. Avoid ‘nuts and bolts’ topics
   Prior to attending a job interview your Safe Step consultant will discuss salary with you and brief you on the particulars of the role. Feel free to ask us any questions you have.
   
   Instead of asking about routine housekeeping matters such as salary, benefits, or vacation time, try to delve deeper into areas that truly matter. Craft questions that will allow you to evaluate if the role aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
   
   
2. Demonstrate knowledge and interest
   One way to stand out is by asking questions that reflect your understanding of the company and the position. Showcasing your research and genuine curiosity will leave a lasting impression.  Work in a question based on your review of their annual report or a recent news article will demonstrate you have spent time researching the business.
   
   
3. Evaluating success in the role
   Asking about what success looks like in the position is a great way to gain insight into the expectations and goals associated with it. This demonstrates your desire to excel and contribute to the organisation's objectives. Consider asking questions like, “what does success look like in the first 12 months”
   
   
4. Understanding deliverables and expectations
   To gain a clear understanding of what will be expected of you in the initial months, ask about the key deliverables or projects you would be working on. This showcases your ability to plan, prioritise, and make a meaningful impact from the start.
   Examples of questions could include, "What are the major projects or initiatives the team is currently focused on?" or "What would be my main deliverables during the first few months?" 
   
   
5. Tailoring questions to the interviewer
   Consider customising your questions based on the interviewer's role or area of expertise. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to adapt. For instance, if the interviewer is the team manager, you might ask, "”Can you tell me more about team culture and performance” or “what are some of common traits shared by the high performers in your team” 

Leaving a lasting impression 

Before your job interview, research the interviewer and the organisation thoroughly (website, annual reports, social feeds, what’s in the news etc). Think through your questions and write them down so that you can express them quickly and clearly during the job interview. 

Your final words can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer, increasing your chances of landing the job. Show your preparedness, curiosity, and alignment with the company's goals to stand out and make a positive impact. Be enthusiastic and let your genuine interest shine through. 

How we can help 

Mastering the art of asking smart questions at the end of an interview can significantly impact your chances of securing a role that you strongly align with. By going beyond the surface-level topics and delving into areas that reflect your knowledge, interest, and commitment, you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. 

Remember to prepare in advance, customise your questions, and always aim to showcase your genuine curiosity and dedication to the role. 

The Safe Step consultants are great at helping you to prepare, practice and refine your interview techniques. They will also provide background information about the organisation and role to help you determine your interest and perform at your best. 

If you are seeking personalised guidance and assistance in health and safety job interview preparation, you can reach out to Ramtin or any of The Safe Step team.