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Having gone through countless job interviews in my career, experiencing both success and failure, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to shine in an interview. In this blog, I’ll share my top three questions that can make all the difference in your next job interview.
1. “What do you like the most about the person currently occupying this role or has previously occupied?”
This question serves as a strategic tool, offering valuable insights into the employer’s expectations and desired qualities. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for you to align your strengths with the attributes valued by the company.
Example – Machine Learning Engineer Candidate:
As a Machine Learning Engineer candidate, you might ask, “Could you share what aspects of the current or past holder of this position impressed you the most?”
Hiring Manager: “Certainly! The previous engineer excelled in their ability to not only develop innovative algorithms but also effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement them into our products.”
Machine Learning Engineer Candidate: “I’m glad to hear that collaboration is highly valued here. In my previous role, I spearheaded a project where I worked closely with both the engineering and product teams to develop and deploy a machine learning model that significantly improved user engagement. I believe my experience aligns well with what you’re seeking.”
In this exchange, the candidate gains insight into the company’s priorities and expectations while leveraging the opportunity to showcase relevant experience and skills.
2. “What does success look like for me if I were to be successful in the first month, 6 months, and 1 year?”
Understanding the employer’s performance expectations at different milestones is vital for setting realistic goals and ensuring alignment with company objectives. By asking this question, you demonstrate your commitment to delivering results and contributing to the organization’s success.
Example – Machine Learning Engineer Candidate:
As a Machine Learning Engineer candidate, you might inquire, “Could you provide insight into what success would look like for someone in this role within the first month, 6 months, and 1 year?”
Hiring Manager: “In the first month, we expect you to familiarize yourself with our existing machine learning infrastructure and start contributing to ongoing projects. By the 6-month mark, we anticipate that you’ll have developed and implemented at least two new algorithms that improve our product’s performance metrics. And within a year, we aim for you to have taken ownership of a key machine learning initiative, demonstrating leadership and innovation in your approach.”
This conversation sets clear expectations and allows the candidate to align their goals with the employer’s objectives, facilitating a smooth transition into the role.
3. “Based on our conversation, is there anything you’re unsure of or concerned about?”
This question empowers you to address any potential reservations the interviewer may have while showcasing your problem-solving skills and proactive mindset. By seeking feedback, you demonstrate your receptiveness to constructive criticism and your commitment to overcoming challenges.
Example – Data Scientist Candidate:
Before concluding the interview, a Data Scientist candidate could ask, “Are there any technical aspects of my background or experience that you’d like me to elaborate on further, or any concerns you may have?”
Hiring Manager: “I appreciate your detailed explanation of your previous data science projects. However, I’m curious about your experience with handling large datasets and implementing scalable solutions.”
Data Scientist Candidate: “Thank you for bringing that up. While I haven’t directly handled extremely large datasets, I’ve extensively worked with distributed computing frameworks like Spark and have experience optimizing algorithms for scalability. Additionally, I’m eager to expand my skills in this area and tackle any challenges that may arise.”
In conclusion, by incorporating these three insightful questions into your interview strategy, you can effectively showcase your qualifications, align your goals with the employer’s expectations, and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Remember, preparation is key, so don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our consultants at Revival Talent Solutions if you need support preparing for your upcoming interview. We offer free interview support to help you ace your next opportunity. Good luck!
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