Ace the Job Interview with "Why?" - Not "How?"

While catching up my on reading this past weekend, I found a good article in the June issue of Inc. magazine, Never Read Another Resume. Written from the hiring authority's perspective, the author (Jason Fried, a small business co-owner) offered some sage advice that job seekers need to heed. What really caught my eye dealt with job interview questions, specifically those from the candidate.

Mr. Fried said that "red flags" go up when candidates ask "how" questions, such as, "How do I do that?" or "How can I find out this or that?" He said, "A 'how' asker is not used to figuring things out for himself/herself. 'How' is a sign that this person is going to be a drain on others. Avoid (hiring) 'hows.'" Wow! What honesty!

Instead, Mr. Fried wants to hear "why" questions. "'Why' is good - it's a sign of deep interest in a subject. It signals a healthy dose of curiosity." As a career coach, I might add that "why" also shows that a candidate is thinking in terms of problem solving, an ability every company is looking for in their hiring mix these days.

Actually, all this makes a lot sense. If a candidate does due diligence in his/her pre-interview research, there shouldn't be too many "how" questions left unanswered by the time of the interview. On the other hand, by assembling a list of "why" questions the candidate can demonstrate that he/she is already thinking like a team member before he shows up for the interview.

So, as a job seeker, your challenge becomes: do you want to appear to be on the "outside" (a "how" asker) or already in the "inside" (a "why" asker) of the company where you next interview? The choice is yours - prepare wisely for your next job interview.

Wishing you career success in 2010!

Meg

Comments

[Joey]

I had never thought of this before but it makes complete sense. A set of why questions demonstrates that the interviewee is confident in what he or she is talking about, and is meeting the interviewer on more of an equal level.

It all goes back on working toward finding a job that fits your strengths and desired work environment. When you're interviewing with your own needs in mind first, your questions will naturally focus around "why is this job good for me?"

Anyway, thanks for this Meg, fantastic information.

-Joey
www.joeyweber.net

[Meg Montford]

Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Joey. While one wants to find the right match when interviewing, in selling oneself to a potential employer you must always remember it's about them, not you. Sell your value to solve their problem.

[Sara Knight]

I think "why" questions are great. But would advise people on what "why" questions to ask and those you might not want to. Such as:

"Why did the board choose to stay with your last CEO for so long when his management abilities were obviously so lacking on so many level.

or

"why would anyone ever want to work here?"

I am using humor to draw a point that asking why questions should focus on aspects that impresses a job candidate, and that draws on their own skills and experience to elaborate on. -I know you know this...
Great article! I love your work.

[applying for jobs in english]

Job seekers should really read this article. Why questions are truly good. Some of the interviewers ask the question "why should we hire you"?