Almost all the interviews ends with this simple question and the interviewers gives a chance to the candidate to ask for any clarity on things discussed in the interview, or just to give the impression that we are done and if you do not have any question then let’s call it a day.
Almost 90% candidates answer this question with “no thank you”.
But that should not be it, majority of the interviewers do have something in mind to ask this particular question. Most of the interviewers are checking interest of the candidate in the job and position he/she is interviewed for, and some are checking level of professionalism in the candidate that the candidate is interested in.
Even out of those 10% remaining candidates who do ask a question or two when given a chance at the end of interview, they ask about the salary or benefits or job description etc.
In my opinions, one must balance his/her interest and interviewer’s interest and ask something about organization’s or project’s future expansion, to ask about job enrichment and to let the interviewer know what else you are good at. And in personal interest, you can ask about leave encashment at the end of contract or the life insurance etc.
Please do not bother to ask about salary package as no one is going to disclose the salary package and you will get a smart answer “our salary package is not fixed and we will have to work on your salary and work history, then we will let you know soon” and you will miss the golden chance of showing your abilities and keen interest, on the other hand, interviewer will not have a good impression of yours to conclude the interview.
I will strongly suggest everyone to make the most out of this closing question.
Writer: Shahzad Ulla Khattak Senior Manager HR & Admin at USAID’s Conflict Victims Support Program Implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD) Contact at: shahzad.ullah@gmail.com Linkedin: Shahzad Ullah Khattak
very important point and very concisely brought out. If you go prepared for an interview and there once you are given a chance, I am sure you will be asking a productive question to generate further inquiries and not the ones which amount to end of conversation. Good attempt to acquaint us all. Thank you Shahzad Sb.
Agree with your Points. but sometimes it depend on the interviewer attitude of asking question, a rude and dominant interviewer can not encourage candidates to raise questions, rather it will lead to have a misconception of bad organizational working environment in candidate mind.
Thank you for providing a picture from an Interviewer or HR point of view. This will not only help fresh graduates or people in their early career level but as well as those candidates who are well groomed and seasoned.
Thank you shahzad ullah sb for sharing your practical experience & observation with us, been an interviewer & Senior Manager HR /Admin.
These points are mostly considering small and ignored by the candidates but it can makes a big difference & differentiate them from others.
After all (From candidate’s point of view) Interview is a process of convincing the interviewer that i am the one you are looking for.