A typical job interview normally ends with "do you have any questions for us?". Now, what kind of a question is that, and what is a smart way to tackle it? First of all, I'm not too sure about the efficiency of interviews. There are so many 'How to pass a Job Interview with flying colours' (what exactly are flying colours anyway?) tips out there that most of the responses received seem almost standard and revised, but I'm not going to go out there and challenge what could be one of the oldest and widely used recruiting techniques.
Secondly, the question itself; "do you have any questions for us?" Aren't interviewees expected to research and know every nut and bolt about the organization, job, history, geography, office supplies, pantry supplies and all other supplies before going for the interview? Wouldn't the answer generally be "no", or are there any intelligent questions that could set you apart from the crowd? Google says yes there are!
A questions that could be asked in response to the "do you have any questions for us?" question (I'll give you a moment to read that again) is: how do you measure success in this organization? Sounds like a good question. Shows you are committed to learn, grow and adapt; shows commitment and ambition. But let us broaden it a little bit: how do you measure success? In general, in life, just how does one measure success? Now, we could go on and on and on about the insides, outsides and flying colours (seriously, what are flying colours?!) of what success is and how it is to be measured, and still not reach a final conclusion. This is where we prove to be weak and unstable. You see, Sri Lankan parents are one step ahead of the entire world. They have actually been able to crack the secret code of measuring success!! How did I discover this? The answer is: Toothpaste.
The other day my mom went into the washroom complaining "does anyone in this house brush their teeth?" Translation: "We need to replace the empty tube of toothpaste". When she came out I was digging through the closet of supplies for a new tube. She saw me carry it to the washroom.
Me: Okay, found it. (referring to the toothpaste. Being able to successfully locate anything in the mom's highly organized closet is a victory to be announced to the whole world (or house)).
Mama: You're taking a new one?
Me: Ummm...yes.
Mama: I was able to squeeze out enough toothpaste to brush 2 or 3 times. (She really was able to do that!)
Me: Ummm...okay.
And this is the magical moment when the discovery was made...
Mama: *Sigh!* You will never be successful in your life.
Me: *Shocked!* What? Because I couldn't squeeze out more toothpaste from an empty tube?
Mama: *With a serious face* Yes.
So there you have it. Toothpaste. If you are able to squeeze out more toothpaste from an empty tube, consider yourself successful in life.
Success and an empty tube of toothpaste - an unlikely match, yet a highly reliable measure. Never will I, or any of you, be able to see an empty tube of toothpaste the same again.
Secondly, the question itself; "do you have any questions for us?" Aren't interviewees expected to research and know every nut and bolt about the organization, job, history, geography, office supplies, pantry supplies and all other supplies before going for the interview? Wouldn't the answer generally be "no", or are there any intelligent questions that could set you apart from the crowd? Google says yes there are!
A questions that could be asked in response to the "do you have any questions for us?" question (I'll give you a moment to read that again) is: how do you measure success in this organization? Sounds like a good question. Shows you are committed to learn, grow and adapt; shows commitment and ambition. But let us broaden it a little bit: how do you measure success? In general, in life, just how does one measure success? Now, we could go on and on and on about the insides, outsides and flying colours (seriously, what are flying colours?!) of what success is and how it is to be measured, and still not reach a final conclusion. This is where we prove to be weak and unstable. You see, Sri Lankan parents are one step ahead of the entire world. They have actually been able to crack the secret code of measuring success!! How did I discover this? The answer is: Toothpaste.
The other day my mom went into the washroom complaining "does anyone in this house brush their teeth?" Translation: "We need to replace the empty tube of toothpaste". When she came out I was digging through the closet of supplies for a new tube. She saw me carry it to the washroom.
Me: Okay, found it. (referring to the toothpaste. Being able to successfully locate anything in the mom's highly organized closet is a victory to be announced to the whole world (or house)).Mama: You're taking a new one?
Me: Ummm...yes.
Mama: I was able to squeeze out enough toothpaste to brush 2 or 3 times. (She really was able to do that!)
Me: Ummm...okay.
And this is the magical moment when the discovery was made...
Mama: *Sigh!* You will never be successful in your life.
Me: *Shocked!* What? Because I couldn't squeeze out more toothpaste from an empty tube?
Mama: *With a serious face* Yes.
So there you have it. Toothpaste. If you are able to squeeze out more toothpaste from an empty tube, consider yourself successful in life.
Success and an empty tube of toothpaste - an unlikely match, yet a highly reliable measure. Never will I, or any of you, be able to see an empty tube of toothpaste the same again.
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