Questions You Aren’t Asking – But Should Be!
Could asking few simple questions help you land your next food & beverage job?
Absolutely. Here’s why.
An interviewer judges the questions you ask as carefully as the answers you give. Asking irrelevant or ubiquitous questions (i.e., what are the work hours for this position?) shows a lack of preparation for the interview (and a lack of interest in the job). Asking germane questions, on the other hand, shows that you understand the job, the potential employer and the food & beverage industry. The right queries signal your genuine interest, help you get the vital information you need and ultimately impress the interviewer.
Regardless of the type of food & beverage job for which you’re applying, asking savvy questions during the interview can be the difference between getting the offer and going home rejected. So what should you ask about, and how?
Every interview is unique. Some recruiters and hiring managers will only give you one opportunity at the end of the interview to ask questions. Others will ask for your questions at multiple points, so be sure you have several intelligent queries prepared. To give yourself an advantage in your next interview, consider asking one or more of the following:
- What was the company’s biggest strategic decision this past year? How did they come to this decision? You want to work for a company that is proactively planning its future. These questions demonstrate that you are thinking ahead. They may also clue you into what you will need to do to stay current in your field and continue adding value for the employer.
- What would a successful first year in this position look like? Ask this and you will get a general idea of what the interviewer will expect you to have mastered/accomplished in a year’s time. Additionally, it will help you gauge whether the expectations for the job are realistic.
- What are the three main factors you will use to select the right person for this job? This question will help you understand what kind of employee the interviewer is seeking (and if you’re the right kind of person for the job). It will also allow you to counter by discussing important skills or qualities the interviewer lists which you may have forgotten to mention.
- Is there anything you are still questioning about my candidacy that would prevent you from offering me this position? – or- Can I clarify anything about my skills, experience or work style further for you? These questions solidify your genuine interest. They also show that you’re open to constructive feedback and eager to provide reassurance that you will make a great employee.
- What are the next steps in the hiring process? This is a great wrap-up question. It will help alleviate your anxiety after the interview, by giving you some idea about the company’s hiring time frame.
Type up a list of the questions you want to ask – and take them into the interview for reference. Remember, you may not have the opportunity to ask all of the questions you want, so be sure to prioritize them. Ask the questions you genuinely want to know the answers to, not just the ones you think will impress your interviewer.
Ultimately, asking the right questions will help you determine if you’re a good fit for the job available. Kinsa Group can help you find that great fit and ensure your long-term career success. Our experienced and highly specialized food & beverage industry recruiters go to great lengths to match you with the ideal food & beverage opportunity.
Contact Kinsa Group today for more assistance with your executive food & beverage job search. From food science and engineering, to executive management and quality assurance, we provide immediate access to a wide range of the industry’s best food & beverage career opportunities.