Over several decades it was my honor to be the “professor” for thousands of students in a graduate professional program. Many former students are now my teachers, and accomplished leaders in many fields. Hundreds have stayed in touch and “linked-in” Every month I hear from someone who recalled the outline of an idea offered in class, and sends an email asking for those “Three magic questions.” One suggested sharing them in a post.
The questions work best when the following stars are aligned:
- You are interviewing for a job you want.
- You are interviewing with the person you will be reporting to.
- You have done enough research to fine tune the questions.
- You are excited about the work, and remain open to the possibility that this may not be the place for you
So…. The interview gets to the point where your soon to be boss asks "Do you have any questions for me?" and now you ask:
THE THREE QUESTIONS:
1. What will be different for you on a day-to-day basis if this works out?
2. In your time with this organization what project or activity are you most proud of?
3. Where do you see this organization and this industry in five years?
Here is why the questions work.
For #1, no job description is comprehensive enough, or HR approved to include the personal expectations of your supervisor. Often you don’t find those out until you disappoint one of these unknown expectations. The answer will give you specific outcomes to make you both successful.
Question #2 has several functions. Your ‘boss to be’ will tell a story where she or he is the protagonist and will describe the barriers (organizational and cultural) overcome by this person or their team. You will learn a lot about the organization, and about your potential supervisor. If the answer is “I got my travel reimbursement in under 180 days!“ My advice... skip asking the third question and head (quickly) for the exit.
The final question is a riff on the “Where do you see yourself in five years.” The answers will reveal the degree to which your next supervisor is engaged or involved in the strategic direction of the organization, and the involvement of the organization in the larger “system” of the industry.
Job offers often come your way when you ask these three questions. Having the answers will help you accept the job with joy, or decline the offer knowing you are making an informed decision.
