Ask Intelligent Questions in the Job Interview

I was speaking with a Director of Recruiting today and he was telling me of his frustration for candidates who ask him basic questions, such as:

• When will you be hiring for this position?
• What is the interview process?
• When will you call me back?

He wanted to hear intelligent questions which shows the candidate really wants to know the important aspects of the job, such as:

• Tell me about what makes a new employee successful in this role?
• How is the region affected by not having this position filled?
• What are some of the challenges that I should be aware of if I take this opportunity?

Too often candidates aren’t asking the questions of the recruiter that will help them to stand out in the interview process. Keep in mind that while the recruiter doesn’t have the final approval on who gets hired, they do have the power to decide if you talk to the hiring manager. So, prepare and make the effort to ask the recruiter intelligent questions and show him that you’re a top candidate… And stellar candidates don’t care how long the interview process takes.

What’s your favorite intelligent question to ask in the interview process?