Every question you ask sends a message!
When the interview nears its end and the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”, it is important you send a strong message to them about your interest in their business/clients, knowledge of the firm, desire to make a difference, belief in yourself, plans for future success, display more about you or build further rapport with your interviewer.
If you ask something that is on the home page of the website, the message is…he/she has not done their research.
If you ask, “What is a day like in a firm?”, the message is…he/she does not know us by now and therefore is not the kind of candidate we are seeking at this stage.
If you ask, “What kind of salary can I expect?”, the message is…he/she is more interested in money than their career, their designation, our business or our clients.
If all you do is inquire about what you get from the firm, the message is….he/she is selfish, entitled, potential morale problem, not people/client oriented, etc.
If, when asked, “Do you have any questions for us?”, and you reply, “No”, the message is…he/she is not truly interested.
However, if you ask questions that communicate something of value to the firm, you will be appreciated, valued and remembered….and possibly invited to the next phase of interviewing or to join the company. Some ideas for you are:
“What are some of the successes and challenges the team I will work with experience and how can I prepare myself for them?” Message: he/she believes they could be on the team and wants to make a difference
“What are some of the challenges with various clients and is there some personal preparation I could make to be ready to contribute to their success?” Message: he/she believes they could be on the team, is client-focused and wants to contribute
“Out of all the students you have had come through the firm over the years, what are the hallmarks of their successes or pitfalls.?” Message: he/she wants to succeed and stay long term
“Some of the students you have helped achieve their designation have decided to move on to industry or the national firms others you have chosen to retain. What are the common traits and practices of those who remain with the firm?” Message: he/she wants to succeed and stay long term
“I have held several leadership roles in the past and am looking for ways to utilize these skills in my future role with the firm. What opportunities are their to lead a team for a fundraising effort, social event or internal project?” Message: he/she is a leader and is looking for ways to add value. could also be a solution for the attrition of senior staff
“With all the retirement you firm will experience over the next 20 years, what plans do you have to transfer their knowledge to the young staff and how will you train people up into their roles?” Message: he/she wants to progress into more senior roles in the firm and is looking for ways to be involved in our internal succession plan
These are just an few ideas on what you might consider as you plan for your questions to the firm recruiters. “PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE VERBATIM!”
What ever you choose to ask, remember you are sending a message and you want to be sure to send a good one and create and attraction to you.
Good Luck!