Interview questions

Many candidates ask themselves one question above all others during the interview: "How do I come across?" But it's worth asking a different question: "What do I really want to know - and how do I formulate this wisely?"

Because a job interview is not a test. It is a dialog.

And those who ask questions themselves not only show interest - but often also self-reflection, attitude and goal orientation.

Your questions say a lot about you

Not every question needs perfect wording. But every good question has a core: it reveals what is important to you.

It is therefore worthwhile not asking questions in isolation, but linking them with a brief reference to your own perspective.

This makes your questions stronger - and the exchange more valuable.

Here are a few examples:

• "A successful start is important to me. How does the induction process work for you?"
  This shows that you are thinking ahead, want to be effective quickly and are looking for guidance.
• "I enjoy working with other departments. What interfaces characterize the work in this position?"
  You show that you think in a process-oriented way and want to work within the system - not in a silo.
• "I value clear goals. How would you know after a year that I have been successful?" You show that you take responsibility - and are willing to perform.
• "I think long-term about whether a task suits me. What do you personally value about working in your company?"
  You are showing that you are not arbitrary - you are looking for the right environment.

Making your own motivation visible

Asking questions like this not only shows interest - but also self-knowledge and ambition.

This is much more effective than standardized questions such as "How big is the team?" or "Do you work from home?" (which are of course still legitimate).

Our recommendation: Use your questions to make your motivation visible.

• What would you like to contribute?
• What do you need to work well?
• What are you looking for - apart from an employment contract?

If you incorporate this into your questions, this will lead to discussions at eye level - and real decision-making aids for both sides.

What we experience as a personnel consultancy

As Kontrast Personalberatung GmbH, we accompany hundreds of job interviews every year - and prepare candidates specifically for them.

We experience this time and again:

The most convincing interviews are not smooth - but honest, approachable and cleverly questioning. It's not about shining - it's about finding out whether you and the position are really a good match. Your questions will help - if they are well thought out, personal and authentic.

Are you looking for a career change?

As an experienced personnel consultancy, we support you in your professional reorientation. We place you in positions that match your qualifications and your attitude - in a permanent position and with clear prospects. Feel free to contact us or join our pool of candidates.