Six Essential Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

So you've given thoughtful, considered answers to your interviewer's questions. The hard part is done, but the interview isn't over yet.

As the interview wraps up and you're asked if you have any questions - don't say no. Now is your time to really stand out.

Asking the right kinds of questions at the end of an interview not only demonstrates your interest in the role but it will also give you a sense of what working at the company might be like.

After all, job interviews go both ways. They're looking for a candidate who's a great match for their needs, but similarly, you're also after a company and a job that will be a great fit for you - and this is where 'interviewing the interviewer' comes in.

We asked real estate recruiter, Sharon Bennie of Specialist Property Recruitment about the most important questions to ask in an interview. 

Here's what she had to say. 

1. What are the expectations in this role?

Ms Bennie says it's important to find out how the role came about, and if the expectations are clear.

"It's great to get a sense of the origins of the vacancy - are there clearly defined expectations?" she told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

Perhaps the opening was recently created to support company growth.

Ms Bennie also says it's important to find out if the role had been previously held by someone else, and what their reasons for leaving were. Were they promoted internally, or did they quit?

2. What are the expectations of the role in the first 6-12 months?

Job descriptions present routine tasks and responsibilities but rarely do they offer an insight into what the specific expectations and accomplishments will be.

Asking this question demonstrates how committed you are to adding value. 

3. How do you measure performance?

Ms Bennie says candidates should ask whether they'll be held accountable to KPI's.

Finding out how the role you're interviewing for is measured will help you understand how it needs to be approached, and what aspects of your past performance you should highlight.

You might need to meet a number of listings targets, networking goals, or client communication targets (minimum 120 calls per week to potential clients, etc). 

If you've exceeded your KPI's in previous roles, be sure to mention it.

4. What is the progression path?

Ms Bennie says candidates should be asking if there will be opportunities to grow.

As real estate doesn't follow a traditional career path, you need to be more strategic in your approach.

Have an end goal - do you want to be the best agent at that agency, or would you like to run your own agency one day?  

Plus, asking about the future of the company and opportunities for your own growth shows you're committed and eager to learn.

5. How do I compare with other candidates you've interviewed for this role?

It's a slightly risky question to ask because you don't want to put the interviewer in an awkward position.

But, if you're feeling bold and you've built a real rapport, this question can help you see if the interviewer has any concerns or issues that you can help address and alleviate to show why you're the best person for the role. 

If you feel this question is a little too blunt, try asking if there is anything you have said that makes the interviewer doubt your fit for the role. 

6. My personal favourite - What do you enjoy most about working here?

This question always elicits a great response from the interviewer because it allows you to connect with the employer on a more personal level, and you can also glean a lot about the company culture in the team. 

Every interviewer I've ever asked this question of has always been impressed, as it's not a question they often get asked.

And if the interviewer can't answer the question, it's a major red flag that this might not be the greatest place to work.

Asking your interviewer the right questions will elicit responses that will help determine whether or not the position is a good fit for you - which is equally as important as the interviewer deciding if you are right for the job. 

- Posted on therealestateconversation.com.au (https://www.therealestateconversation.com.au/news/2018/09/19/six-essential-questions-ask-your-interviewer/1537320537)