At the end of most interviews, the interviewer usually asks ” Do you have a question for me?”
You can choose to say:
A. No. Thank you. I think you have answered any questions I have
B. Hmmm, you didn’t mention the salary
C. If you don’t mind my asking, what led to this position being vacant?
As a Recruiter, I love Candidate C already. It shows he/she is interested in the job and wants to understand the expectations of the role.
My two dollars on this subject matter is this: It’s best to always ask the right questions like Candidate C did. A question like “what led to this position being vacant?” will give you much valuable insight into the job role. Gives you an advantageous edge over the applicants.
The edge you gain is quite simple:
1. The interviewer reveals the challenges they are facing that led to that need of recruiting
2. You get to know if its a brand new role or an existing role
3. You could follow-up the 1st question by asking what is expected from the successful candidate
Now you are fully informed on what the hiring authority is looking for.
Candidate C now better informed goes ahead to dazzle at the next interview because he/she is equipped with the right information.