Interviews are funny experiences, don’t you think? The interview can swing between a very natural and open discussion to a formal, stiff and unnatural grilling. We can go from feelings of elation after a good interview, to wanting the ground to open and swallow you after a bad one.

Either way we’ve all been there. Whatever side of the table we’re sitting on. We’ve all gone through the highs and the lows of the interview process.

It’s fascinating to see how the interview process has evolved over the years. From a time where the interviews were very one sided, (a strict Q&A session with the client asking the bulk of the questions) to a time nowadays that is more relaxed, collaborative and two-way.

Nowadays, it is as much about the candidates interviewing the client. “Is this the type of organisation I want to work for?” and “Does this organisation’s values align with my values?”

Candidates are now asking companies about their D&I, CSR/ Sustainability policies and what remote working option a company can provide.

As recently as the last 2 years, we have seen clients pivot 100% to virtual interviewing, virtual hiring and virtual onboarding. Even virtual drinks were a thing at one point!!

So on to the difficult interview questions. When it comes to interviews, we’ve all seen the standard questions that a candidate asks a potential employer. The safe questions, the necessary questions. But what about the questions that people want to ask but don’t ask or maybe they feel they shouldn’t ask?

Here’s a few interesting ones that we’ve come across:

**Disclaimer: Not all questions will be suitable for all employers. Please know your audience!**

  • How does this company approach work/life balance?
  • Do you have a DE&I policy and what initiatives are there in place to support these policies?
  • Is remote working on offer for this position and if so, what supports are in place to facilitate it?
  • What is your maternity/ paternity leave policy?
  • What is the plan for the company in the next 5 years?
  • Who do you consider your top competitors?
  • How are you better than them?
  • What does it take to be successful here?
  • What are the main reason employees leave this company?
  • How do you respond to staff conflicts?
  • Why has this position come about?
  • When was the last time someone in this position was promoted?
  • What is the career trajectory like for someone in this role?
  • What are the challenges I will face in this job?
  • How could I impress you in the first 3 -6 months?
  • How would you describe your management style?
  • What are the major concerns in the team/ department currently?
  • What is the average age on the team/ in the company?
  • How do I compare to other candidates you’ve met for this position?
  • What was it about my CV that caught your attention?

 

And this is one of my favourites…..

  • Do you have any hesitancy in hiring me? or if you’re not feeling that brave you could ask
  • What would make you hesitant about hiring someone for this position?

So there you have it. A list of questions you’d like to ask but might not be brave enough to! Go on give them a go. What have you got to lose? (apart from the job!!)

If you are actively looking for a new job, just window shopping or looking to add to your finance team, please feel free to reach out to me to a confidential chat on [email protected]