Interview Insights | Key Question: Why don’t we start with you asking me questions. [Template & Sample]

Interview question: Why don’t we start with you asking me questions.

Typically interviews begin with a broad description of the role that you are gunning for. Admit it, at that time, you’ll usually gather your thoughts, breathe, and prepare yourself mentally for responding to the eventual onslaught of interview questions that you prepared for. However, the more senior that you are the less likely it is that you will be eased into the interview process. Actually, if you are vying for a Director-level or higher opportunities then anticipate the toughest questions first.

There is no other launch to an interview that takes interviewees off guard like when interviewees are put on the spot to ask questions first.

Here’s my take on how to optimize this method and how not to approach this prompt.

How to approach this prompt

• Eloquently and ready to engage
• Uncover that you did homework and share the key insights that you garnered that ultimately helped you prepare for this conversation
• Explain how excited you are about this opportunity and why you think you’re the best person for the role
• Share what you know about the role, it’s importance to the organization, and your key partners should you be offered the opportunity
• Provide context of what brought you here today and how you imagine this role fitting into your bigger career goals

How not to approach this prompt

• Stumped and speechless
• Walking them through your resume
• Using your final Q&As to fill this time
• Shooting a question from your hip at your interviewer
• Sharing your pitch

Here is an example:

Salesforce has been known to disrupt markets. As an ex-Mckinsey consultant who has benefited greatly while working for multinational organizations specifically implementing and managing digital innovations in a hypercompetitive environment, I’ve witnessed exponential shifts and I’ve enjoyed a fascinating ride. I know how to sell sales solutions, how to express the value of this opportunity within the APJ region, and am currently a leader within Oracle – I’m here because I want to help Salesforce disrupt the region more swiftly as a general manager. I did my homework and I’d love to hear your thoughts on a few key findings.  I’d love to hear your impression of what makes for a solid and useful vision for an organization. I noticed a vision is missing and I’d want to partner with you to devise an initial vision statement that everyone can get around.

PAUSE

Wait for the interviewer’s response…

Then move on and ask questions that will push the conversation forward…such as…

Your competitors are innovating. What is Salesforce’s point of differentiation?

Your industry’s business model is changing. How can Salesforce get ahead of this curve?

Your competitors are nipping at your heels. I’d suggest that we make Salesforce an M&A factory. You’ve witnessed acquisitions, mergers, and disposals. What’s your take on how to build this core competency and use it as our edge?

The key insight is that this is your opportunity to showcase that you don’t need to be spoon fed data. Ultimately, you’ll need to both do the job at hand and also evolve the role so that you can maximize on any opportunity. Similarly, an interview is a conversation however you should have a plan in mind – what is your key message and how can you support that message in a way that furthers your candidacy.

If an interviewer chooses this route then I encourage you to exploit it and start with that message.

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