At the end of a job interview, most interviewers or interview panels will ask a candidate if there are any questions they’d like to ask. If you don’t ask questions, they may perceive you as uninterested or disengaged. Your confidence may be boosted by practicing the questions below, or getting a Career Coach who can teach you how to put your best foot forward in an interview.
Here are 20 questions you can ask your interviewer that are intelligent, interesting, and relevant. Do not ask any that have already been answered during your interview. Pick three or four that you’d find comfortable to ask, phrase them in your own words, and print them out as a reminder to yourself during the interview. Check off any questions that have been answered as you go, check off ones that don’t apply, and ask the remainder.
- Could you describe your corporate culture? This shows interest in the organization, and can give you information about what it’s like to work there.
- Aside from the skills listed for this position, what other skills are important to have here? You show initiative, and get an idea of your fit. This is also an additional chance to offer value. If some of the additional skills are ones you offer, point that out.
- Do you have any concerns about my qualifications? A hard question to ask, the answer tells you how they feel about your fit. It also shows the courage to discuss and work on your weaknesses. Be careful not to become defensive, stay open and show a willingness to learn and grow.
- Can you tell me why this position is open? You’re curious about turnover and about the position itself. Everyone wonders, not everyone is forthright enough to ask.
- I read ____ about your organization/CEO/division in _____. Do you think that’s accurate? This question is for when you have done your research about the company or position and want to know specific information. Have there been mass layoffs? Is the company on the verge of a product breakthrough? Negative or positive fact, you’re showing that you’re interested, prepared, and engaged.
- What do you like most about working for this organization? Get an insider’s view of the company, show interest in your interviewer, and forge a connection with a hiring influencer all in one question.
- Would I have more than one direct report for this position? If so, what is the pecking order? Many positions can report to multiple managers. It shows your interest in the position and your wisdom about the need to meet multiple expectations.
- What steps need to be completed before you make an offer? Information about the timeline between this interview and a decision is important to you. This shows you are very interested in the position and eager to get a response.
- What would you say is the biggest challenge of this position? Be careful, this may have been covered already, but if not, you really do need to know.
- For most organizations, living up to the core values is an ongoing mission, is there anything your company is working to improve? This is a gentle way of asking “What is the worst thing about working here?”
- What qualities are most important for success here? Looking to the future and what you can do to succeed within the organization is a very positive question. The answer tells you quite a bit about what the organization values in its employees.
- How does your organization handle staff conflicts? This tells you about the corporate culture and shows your understanding that conflict happens and should be handled professionally.
- Is there anyone else I should meet? You are showing interest and engagement, as well as checking to see if you have any more interviews before a decision is made.
- Are there opportunities for professional growth? This question shows you are looking toward the future, anticipating success and development. The answer tells you whether the organization supports that development or expects associates to increase their skills using their own time and money.
- Is there anything else I can provide that would help your decision process? It’s good to ask what else you can offer, and shows that you are eager to get the job.
- Will I be able to meet my potential manager/team? Meeting colleagues gives you a better idea of the corporate culture, the working relationships, and can even give you insight about the position. It shows real interest and an understanding that work relationships and fit are important.
- We’ve talked about the position and the company in detail. Is there anything else that’s important to know about working for this organization? This allows the interviewer to take a beat to think about any missed information and shows your continued interest in learning about the company.
- How do you evaluate success in this position? Be careful that this hasn’t been answered, but if it hasn’t, you need to know.
- What has made past employees a success in this position? This question gives you a better idea of what defines success for this job. You aren’t just asking in general, you’re asking for specific examples.
- How has this position changed over time? You’re asking if the job grows or changes in any way, or if it is static. This shows your interest in a long term future with the company.
Leave a Reply