Over the last two posts, we have reviewed several examples of risky questions to ask at a job interview, including what makes them risky and how they can both benefit and harm your chances of winning the job.
Showing you these questions will hopefully give you a chance to consider them during your job interview. Yet it is hard to say when it is worth asking such risky questions. Below, we will take a look at the best times to take risks, the best time to avoid risks, and how to use your own judgment.
When to Avoid Risks
Avoiding risks is a good strategy for job interviews that are going very well. There is no reason to risk harming a good thing – if you are rocking your interview, you probably don’t want to focus on your negatives by asking where you may have failed or if the interviewer has doubts. You don’t them to think about the doubts. You just want them to remember your amazing interview. The only risk worth taking when your interview is going to well is asking about a salary range, and only when it is apparent they are going to hire you.
When to Take Risks
When your interview is going poorly, or you are fairly certain they are not going to hire you, taking risks is more acceptable. You have little to lose and a lot to gain. It may be harder to ask such bold questions during a bad interview, but it may be something you want to try.
When to Consider Risks
When your interview is going fine, then you need to consider the type of interviewer, the type of person you are, and whether or not you believe you can respond to those doubts, etc.
- Does the interviewer seem like someone that will appreciate your boldness?
- Do you have the communication skills necessary to respond to any criticism?
- Do you have the emotional stability necessary to handle these risks?
- Are you actually a good fit for the job?
Only if the answer to all of these questions is “yes” should you consider asking risky questions, especially questions about how well you did at the interview and whether or not the interviewer has any doubts. Those that cannot handle the answer or expect to do a poor job responding should not take as many risks as the applicants that are great debaters and conversationalists.
Asking Risky Questions
There are different types of risky questions that can be asked at different points in your interview. Before asking any risky question, make sure that you believe the interviewer will appreciate the question and that you can handle your own response to whatever the interviewer says. If either of those are not true, don’t ask the question. If they are, it may be something to consider when your interview has not been perfect.
Take Away Interview Tips
- Don’t take huge risks during great interviews.
- Take huge risks during terrible interviews.
- Consider many factors before you ask risky questions.
- Make sure you can handle anything said as a result of the question.
Free download – You should also be aware of the 20 Best Questions to ask at an Interview. They are all included in our FREE eBook.
