An ex-Google recruiter advises asking these 4 questions during job interviews.

An ex-Google recruiter advises asking these 4 questions during job interviews.
An ex-Google recruiter advises asking these 4 questions during job interviews.

Nolan Church, former Google recruiter and current CEO of salary data company FairComp, emphasizes the importance of asking great questions during job interviews. According to him, doing so can help differentiate oneself from other candidates and make a strong case for being a standout employee.

Rewritten: Asking great questions can serve multiple purposes. Church recommends asking questions that help you determine your interest in the role and prepare you for success on your first day if you accept the job offer.

Here are four questions Church recommends asking.

'What is the company's north star for the next 12 months?'

A company's north star sums up its goals and mission.

Do the interviewers have clarity on what matters, or are they aimlessly working toward an unclear idea of success? This can make it difficult to determine what to prioritize for yourself.

If all stakeholders do not provide the same answer, it indicates that priorities may differ, making it challenging to meet everyone's expectations.

If the company has a clear direction and everyone agrees, the question can help determine if you are genuinely enthusiastic about addressing the challenges associated with that north star. If not, it may indicate that the job is not suitable for you.

'What is the common trait of your top performers?'

"What the company values can be inferred from this kind of question," according to Church.

Perhaps this company isn't the best match for you if you value thoroughness over speed in your work, as top performers are known for their ability to work quickly.

If you possess the trait of wanting to learn how to be a top performer, it could indicate that the company is right for you.

'What's the one thing you love most about the culture?'

Church argues that questions like "what's the company culture?" can be ambiguous and may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the workplace atmosphere.

If you want to know the one thing people love most, you will get a very specific answer. This specificity will lead to insights. Additionally, if you connect with what people say they love about the company, it could very well be a place you, too, would enjoy working.

'In the first 30 days, what issue would you like me to address?'

Having a clear understanding of your daily priorities can greatly enhance your chances of achieving success.

Considering different ways to tackle a problem before starting a new role can help you orient yourself and ensure a smooth start, as Church suggests.

If you're interested in the job, you can take the time to decide if their priorities align with yours.

Rewritten: In addition to providing valuable information, these questions also facilitate follow-up inquiries, allowing for a deeper understanding of the company's operations and inner workings. According to Church, this level of detail is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the organization.

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