Matt Abrahams, a communication guru and Stanford lecturer, dives into the art of asking impactful questions during job interviews. He shares how strategic inquiries can foster meaningful conversations and showcase a candidate's engagement. The discussion includes techniques for navigating curveball questions and the importance of leaving silence for deeper insights. Matt emphasizes the need for thematic strategies to articulate expertise and reduce anxiety, proving that the questions you ask may just be your secret weapon in landing that job.
Asking impactful questions during job interviews enhances communication and helps candidates assess their potential fit with employers.
Preparing thoughtful questions allows job seekers to showcase their strengths, curiosity, and insights while navigating unexpected or unconventional inquiries.
Deep dives
The Power of Questions in Communication
Asking impactful questions plays a critical role in effective communication, especially during job interviews. Questions are likened to a Swiss army knife, serving multiple functions like building connections, showcasing competence, and revealing insights about both parties. Neuroscientific studies show that when someone is asked a question, their brain engages differently compared to receiving information passively, highlighting the importance of interactive dialogue. This exchange allows interviewees to not only gather information but also to assess interviewers based on their clarity and engagement during the conversation.
Crafting Questions for Interviews
Job seekers should prepare thoughtful questions as part of their interview strategy, viewing the process as a two-way dialogue rather than a one-sided inquiry. As candidates research potential roles and the people they are interviewing with, they should formulate questions that reveal their curiosity about the duties, team dynamics, and organizational culture. A well-structured question not only reflects the interviewee's interest but can also provide insights into their personality and fit for the company. For instance, asking an interviewer about what they wish they had been asked during their own interviews can yield unexpected and valuable insights.
Adapting to Curveball Questions
Job candidates may encounter unexpected or unconventional questions during interviews, which require them to think on their feet and stay composed. Responding to such questions can be an opportunity to convey personal attributes and themes they want to highlight about themselves. For example, when faced with a metaphorical question like 'If you were an onion, what would I find when I peel back the layers?' one might utilize it to share their emotional intelligence and connection with others. The key is to relate the answer back to the themes the candidate wants to communicate, transforming a potentially daunting question into a platform for showcasing their strengths.
On this week’s episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn Editor at Large Andrew Seaman speaks with Matt Abrahams, a communication expert and Stanford Business School lecturer. Together, they explore the art of asking good questions in a job interview.
With trick questions and first impressions to worry about, job seekers can easily overlook this final section of the interview, but the questions you ask employers can be much more powerful than you might think. In this conversation, Matt gives tips on how to ask impactful questions that highlight your strengths to a potential employer.
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