One of the most important business skills to have is the ability to ask concise, thoughtful questions. Preparing as many well-thought out questions as possible before an interview, netw

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One of the most important business skills to have is the ability to ask concise, thoughtful questions. Preparing as many well-thought out questions as possible before an interview, networking event, internship evaluation, or any professional setting will be so beneficial to you. Here’s why:

  1. You will get more informative and helpful answers: There are absolutely conversations where someone will give you incredibly specific and detailed answers to general questions, and where you are able to learn a lot about a particular person, position, or company. That being said, thinking of questions ahead of an interview or other professional event gives you the opportunity to “zoom in” on what is most interesting for you. Most people begin thinking up general questions, and are then able to get more focused and think critically about what they really want to ask. Do yourself a favor and decide on some key questions to ask before you leave your room on interview day. You will get specific answers to those questions, as opposed to answers to questions you aren’t interested in hearing the answer to.
     
  2. You will show interest and your ability to think critically: Asking strong questions shows interest in a company/position, plain and simply. Recruiters can spot a generic question or disinterested candidate from a mile away. The best method for setting yourself apart and showing that you are truly hungry for an opportunity is to educate yourself about that opportunity. Preparing ahead means you will be able to think of questions without being under pressure — your questions will be more thoughtful and will prove you are a candidate who is a critical thinker and who really cares about an opportunity.
     
  3. You will keep the conversation flowing: Many people (including myself) get nervous before attending networking receptions or similar professional events. It can be very uncomfortable to have an extended conversation with a recruiter or company representative because you know how important that conversation could potentially be in landing an actual interview or a job/internship. Thinking of some general and several more specific questions to ask at these types of events not only eases your stress ahead of time, but it keeps the conversation moving when you are actually speaking with someone. Asking lots of questions gives you both a lot to talk about.

Article By Gabriel Sehringer