At the end of a job interview, the interviewer might turn the tables and ask if you have any questions. Be prepared with a few questions that allow you to learn more about the company, its culture and your potential responsibilities. Asking questions helps you stand out, showcases what you have to offer and supports your job application. Here are some suggestions to consider before you complete your next interview.
Dig a little deeper into the company's purpose, goals and future. But try to keep questions simple as you start a conversation.
- What's unique about this company?
- What values are most important here?
- How has the company changed in the past five years?
- What excites you the most about the company's future?
- How often do employees interact with leadership?
Clarify details about the desired job, and demonstrate that you're eager to perform well.
- What are your expectations for me in this position?
- Which objectives should I accomplish in the first three months?
- Would my primary responsibilities change within the first year?
- What challenges can I expect in this position?
- How often would I be given a performance review?
- What metrics will you use to evaluate my performance?
Uncover insights that can help you determine if the company shares your values and will be a welcoming and healthy employer.
- Does the company host team-building activities?
- What are your favorite and least favorite parts of working here?
- How does the onboarding or training process work?
- What's the most surprising thing new employees discover after they start working here?
- How can I prepare to be a joint participant in this department from day one?
Without getting too personal or inappropriate, find out who your co-workers would be. Also, discover details about how the department operates.
- Would I fill a new or established position?
- What can you tell me about the team I would join?
- Who would I be working with the most?
- What are my potential supervisor's personality and management styles?
Find out if you can grow with the company and further develop your career while performing your current duties.
- Which development opportunities can I access?
- How does my potential team support professional growth?
- What are the common career paths folks in this department pursue?
- How are promotions handled?
Leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you and your potential.
- What can I clarify about my qualifications?
- Are there any qualifications I'm missing for this role?
- What questions have I overlooked that I should ask you?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
- Do you have additional questions for me?
To remain professional and keep the interviewer focused on what you can offer the company, avoid several types of questions.
- Company details you could easily research in advance
- Benefits you'll receive
- Information about non-work activities like happy hour or vacation time
- Gossip or name-dropping of mutual acquaintances
- Questions with a yes/no answer
Asking questions during a job interview supplements your application. So, personalize your questions so that the interviewer can visualize you in the desired position. Also, select only a few relevant questions that support the message you want the interviewer to receive. Whether you're applying for a teaching, administrative, mechanical, or insurance agent position, prepare questions that will help you land the job.
