Never before have so many companies in Sweden gone bankrupt as now. January this year is the worst ever and it is especially companies that work towards consumers that have been hit the hardest.
As a job seeker, it is easy to find yourself at a disadvantage when you have been made redundant. Often you become desperate to find a new job as quickly as possible. Then it is easy to lose your self-confidence. But remember that the best interviews are when two equal parties meet to discuss together. Getting a new job should be a good step, both for the company and for you as a person.
Most of the time, it is the recruiter who interviews and asks most of the questions. But at the end you should be prepared, because then the question might come: "Do you have any questions for me?" Here are some suggestions that can increase your chances of getting the job:
Get personal. Instead of asking, for example; "What does a typical working day look like", then you can ask "What would a typical working day for me look like"? It's simple psychology, but this way you force the interviewer to think more personally about how exactly you would fit in. And that's a good start.
In addition, you should divide your questions into different areas. Here are some suggestions:
Questions about the job
What expectations do you have of me in this role?
What is the most important thing I should achieve in the first time?
On what criteria will I be judged?
Questions about the team
What challenges will I face in this role?
Can you tell me something about the team I will be working with?
Who will I work with the most?
Questions for your potential boss – if he is the one conducting the interview. How long have you worked at the company? How long have you been a manager? What do you like best about your work?
Questions about the company – (NOTE! don't ask about things you can easily find out yourself)
What goals are you now focusing on and how can the team achieve them? What do you think is most exciting about the future of the company? What future plans does the company have in terms of development and growth?
Questions about the company culture – (NOTE! You will hardly hear anything negative. Therefore, take the answers "with a grain of salt" What are new hires usually surprised by when they start here? How do you usually introduce new employees, is there an induction program? Is there something I can prepare for to get up and running quickly?
Questions about development opportunities
What development opportunities do I have in this role? What are the most common career paths for talented employees? How do typical promotions work?
Final questions
Is there something I should try to clarify better for you? Is there a question I should have asked you that I didn't? What is the next step in the process?
Questions to avoid
What starting salary will I receive? What do your insurance terms look like if, for example, you get sick? What do the holiday conditions look like?
We will soon launch updated interview guides with example questions in behavior and situation to ask the candidate.
Sources: World in Property, 2 February 2023.
Amy Gallo. 38 Smart questions to Ask in a Job Interview. Harvard Business Review, May 19, 2022.
Psykometrika, interview guide 2023.