Are you afraid of asking that “dumb” question?

We’ve all been there. You want to ask a question but are afraid it’s a “dumb” question. So what do you do? The answer is simple. Don’t ask a dumb question; ask an “Informed” question.

So what’s an “informed” question? It’s just like it sounds. You wrap your questions in other information, or that lets the interviewee know you have some knowledge and the capacity to understand their answer. It takes a little homework, but it’s very worth it.

Here are some examples: 

“I listened to your company’s last earnings call*, and the CEO mentioned adding more consulting services to ensure contract renewals.” How does that affect your department’s short- and long-term talent needs?” 
*All publicly traded companies make quarterly earnings calls that are easily searchable/readily available. 

“I read in the WSJ that your primary competitor announced a new low-cost subscription offering for mid-size businesses yesterday. They said it was because the enterprise market was saturated. What do you think of that move, and do you agree (about the enterprise market)?”

“With interest rates staying elevated, I’ve seen that many companies are cutting back on new product investments and focusing on small improvements to current products. Has that been the case here?”

Just by asking an informed question, you’ve done three things:

1. Showed you’ve done your homework.

2. Engaged the interviewee in a more strategic dialogue. 

3. Separated yourself from others who are afraid to ask that “dumb” question. 

And guess what? This method is for more than just interviews. I have used it for more than 30 years to ensure that new business prospects and current clients know I am fully capable of understanding their business so I can help solve their business challenges.   

So ask “informed” questions because no one wants to or needs to ask a “dumb question.”