Prepare for interviews by thinking of questions
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EmailAn interview is a two-way conversation, so make sure you have some questions to ask your interviewer.
Preparing for a job interview is important for success, and there are many ways to do this. Michigan State University Extension recommends researching the organization, practicing answering questions, dressing for success and coming up with questions you want to ask the interview committee.
When you are getting ready for an interview, you may be doing lots of preparation for answering questions. It is also important for you to ask questions! This may feel counterintuitive, but many employers will end an interview by asking if you have any questions. Don’t be left looking unprepared.
Thinking through some questions ahead of time will help you in a number of ways. First, this can drive your research of an organization. Remember that an interview is as much for you to decide if you want this job as it is for the employer to decide if they want to hire you. What will help you make that decision? What do you want to know before you jump into a job where you will be spending a lot of your time?
Whatever answers you can’t find through your exploration are good questions to ask in the interview. Framing your questions by stating that you found other answers on their website, or by talking with a current employee, will help an interviewer know you have done your research about their organization and that you are truly interested in that position.
Asking questions will also show you have thought through what you need to know. The types of questions you ask a potential employer will help them know more about you. Are you interested in training and development opportunities? Do you want to know about challenges up front? What do you need to know about the other employees and the culture of the workplace?
If you need some help thinking of questions, Michigan 4-H has a number of resources from articles on asking the right questions in an interview to bulletins on helping you prepare for your interview. Thinking through your own questions about a job will help guide your personal exploration, as well as impress the interviewers.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives.
To learn about the positive impact of Michigan 4-H youth career preparation, money management and entrepreneurship programs, read the 2016 Impact Report: “Preparing Michigan Youth for Future Employment.”
