*Don’t come to the interview drunk and then proceed to pass out

*Don’t bring your mom, children or pets

*Tell your interviewer how you love to sing opera, then bust out signing acapella

*Don’t tell any racist jokes

*Do not submit an “Impossible is Nothing” type video resume (if you don’t know what we are talking about please Google it…it is quite entertaining)

I actually encourage job seekers to ask three types of questions to the employer.

First, I have them focus on the hiring manager. “How did you come to work for XYZ co?” and “What do you think are the greatest 3 things about working here?” This enables the job seeker to connect more personally with the hiring manager.

Second, I have them show that they think like an owner. “What are the three biggest challenges the company is facing this year?” “What role will the department I’ll be working for play in eliminating those challenges?” and lastly, “What kind of person in the role I’m applying for is best at helping overcome these challenges?”

Finally, I have them close the deal with the question you posed, but in a slightly different way, “If there was anything you could change about my experience or skills to make me a better fit for this job, what would it be?” This gives the job seeker the chance to hear what might be holding them back and give them the opportunity to provide additional insight or information to offset the hiring manager’s viewpoint.

It really is all about knowing how to sell yourself. As you’ve pointed out, selling is about using an ‘ask don’t tell’ approach to connecting with the hiring manager.

Thanks for the excellent info!