Ask Questions

My business partner and I are always taken aback by how many people don't have substantial questions at the end of an interview. Here's a tip....if you ask intelligent questions at the end of your interview you'll catapult yourself to the top of the list (assuming everything else went great.)

Do some research on the company you're applying at and ask some relevant questions. Here are a few to start you off:

1. How do you go about acquiring new clients/customers?

2. What are the strengths of your top competitors? How do they compare to yours?

3. How would you describe your company's internal culture?

4. How do you define success for this position?

Save questions about salary and benefits for the second interview. There will always be a time later to ask.

Sparking dialogue with these types of questions will help you be seen in a better light. Use them.

SuperVerb: Ask

You, Inc.

One thing I think people forget when they come to see me for a job or an internship is that they're marketing themselves. They are the product and I am the consumer. It's important to think about how you're representing You, Inc.

Use your marketing brain to think about these questions:

1. What is your unique selling proposition?

2. Who is your audience? (What is the culture like at this company?)

3. What does your packaging look like? (How are you dressed? What does your resume look like? etc.)

Present yourself with confidence and explain to me (without sounding like a used car salesmen) why you'd be a great fit for the company. Would you hire you? Why? Think about these things before you come through a prospective employers door.

SuperVerb: Market