Seldom do we ask questions that help identify whether the position and company is a right fit, and that’s if we ask any questions at all.

Asking the right questions will identify critical problems with the position, and most importantly determine our level of happiness. That’s what self-proclaimed interview connoisseur, Kendall Blair provides in the book, The Most Important Questions to Ask on Your Next Job Interview: Insider Secrets You Need to Know.

She demonstrates the importance of asking questions, such as:

* “How does my position fit into the larger scale of things within the company?”

* “As a representative of XYZ company, what do you feel is the most important contribution this company expects from its employees?”

* “Can I be sure the company is devoted to diversity and equal opportunity?”

She assures that note-taking during the interview is beneficial because it not only shows your organizational techniques, but helps in the decision-making process.

The book includes responses from the case studies of recruiters and employers. Blair also cites an interviewing book that describes the process from the interviewer’s perspective. She explains these excerpts and applies it to the interviewee.

Information is restated, but they are key points that need to be stressed. For instance, making sure you know your immediate supervisor.

Some questions she suggests are gutsy. They are straightforward, but you learn the truth as to where you will stand with the company, and the interviewer’s impression of you. Ultimately, these tough questions will ensure that you are not wasting your time.

The book is filled with plenty of questions for you to choose from and apply to your interview situation. The insightful questions will likely leave a positive impression with a potential employer. It is a well-organized read with the ultimate intent of securing your overall happiness.

Rating: 4 / 5

She offers a wide range of questions for the reader to consider before a job interview and questions to ask a potential employer. She even suggests things to listen for in an answer. Her questions are masterfully crafted to turn the table on an employer and reveal insight into a company. She helps readers analyze a job from every possible angle to determine if it’s a perfect fit.

Blair emphasizes the importance of preparing for an interview. She recommends taking in pre-written questions, this shows both preparedness and organization. She says this is a guaranteed way all your questions get answered. Another aspect of the interview she focuses on, providing strong examples of your previous work experiences. She repeatedly remarks how important it is to give a potential employer examples of your work, how you met a deadline, how you identified others needs or a time when showed leadership qualities. Blair summarizes that your resume got you through the door, now it’s your time show off your skills and talent.

Rating: 4 / 5

In Chapter 2 – “Success is not a secret,” Ed tells you exactly how to build meaningful relationships with people who are crucial to your success. It is full of real stories of real people practicing the 5-step process and experiencing unusual success. I found it very believable and easy to draw on the experiences and lessons shared in the book. Relationships are a key component of everyone’s success, and this book is a great read. Using stories based on Ed’s friend “Max the Taxicab Driver,” this book is grounded in proactive, sound and practical (yet little-practiced) principles about how to effectively stay informed of your clients’ “GPS” – goals, passions, and struggles. This, in turn, helps you know where and when to reach out to another person – a practice that strengthens your relationships beyond business borders.

Read this book and then make a note to read it again next year!

Rating: 5 / 5