I’m constantly trying to open doors for international professionals in Germany. One way to do this is to invite managers who hire in English into my podcast. Often I record the podcast live -and invite expats to join and ask questions.

But the feedback that I get from managers afterwards is heartbreaking.

Don’t get me wrong. The managers are happy. They usually get a few really outstanding job applications. The professionals who apply clearly listened to the podcast. They understood the main challenge of the position, and why it is so important to the manager. They offer solutions based on actual work experience.

And they ask smart follow-up questions.

But that’s the minority. 80% of jobseekers completely blow this opportunity. They have the chance to talk directly to a decision maker and then… …they ask really stupid questions.

What is a stupid question? And what is a smart question?

1. If you can find this information on the companie’s website or on google: That’s a stupid question.

2. A smart question is never about you. It’s always about the manager’s needs and wishes – and allows you to better understand how you can help the manager reach her goal.

In short: Smart questions are generous questions.

Ask more smart questions.

PS: My “Meet Your Future Boss” course trains this skills in detail. It opens only once or twice per year. Check it out!

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