To show the employer that you've come prepared and are interested in the job make sure you have some questions to ask at the end of the interview
Your interview is going well. You've answered all therecruiter's questions confidently and the session is coming to a close. One of the final things you'll be asked is, 'Do you have any questions for me?' To have a chance of securing the job, always say yes.
Having a list of questions to ask an interviewer makes you look interested, enthusiastic and engaged - all qualities that the employer will be looking for. It also gives you one final chance to further highlight your relevant qualities and experience.
Try to come up with at least four or five questions to ask the interviewer. That way, if one or two of them are answered during the earlier discussion, you have backups in place.
Avoid asking questions that focus too much on what the organisation can do for you. Save questions about salary and holiday allowance for when you've got a job offer. Also, stay away from questions that require a yes or no answer, as you're likely to find this information on the company's website.
While it's ok to ask your interviewer to clarify certain points, avoid asking about anything that has previously been covered. You don't want them to think that you haven't been paying attention. If you need some inspiration here are some good questions to ask at an interview…
What does a typical day look like?
Asking this question enables you to learn as much about the role as possible. The interviewer's response will provide insight into what skills and experience are needed and will also help you decide if the role is right for you.
The answer will give you an idea of what the employer's expectations are, so if you're offered the job there should be no surprises when you start.
How could I impress you in the first three months?
This is a good question to ask at the end of a job interview because it shows potential employers that you're eager to make a positive contribution to the organisation.
Pay close attention to the recruiter's response as it will tell you how they want you to perform and will highlight particular areas of the job you should be focusing on during the first few weeks of employment.
What opportunities are there for training and progression?
Enquiring about development opportunities demonstrates to the interviewer that you're serious about your career and committed to a future with the organisation.
You don't want to be stuck in a dead-end job so if you're unsure of the typical career path for someone in this role, asking this question will help you to assess whether a long-term career with the company is a possibility, or if you'd need to move on to gain further responsibility.
Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?
The response you receive will give you an insight into the company's progression plans and its place in the market, while giving you a general idea about job security. You may also get a heads-up on any major upcoming projects.
Asking about future plans shows a real interest in the organisation and reiterates your commitment to the company.
Can you describe the working culture of the organisation?
Asking this question is a great way to assess the working environment of the company and it gives you the opportunity to discover whether you'll fit in.
From the recruiter's response you'll learn if and how the organisation prioritises employee happiness, of any benefits on offer and what the work-life balance is like.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Everybody loves to talk about themselves, and this question enables you to build up a sense of camaraderie with your interviewer. This question requires a personal response, so you could learn a lot from their answer.
You'll get an insider's view of the company culture and working environment and you may even get to discover how your interviewer got their start in the business and how they progressed.
Can you tell me more about the team I would be working in?
This will help you understand the way the company is structured, who you'll report to and the department the role sits within. These are the people you'll work most closely with, so it's worth trying to find out about the team dynamic and working methods.
Depending on the response, it may also give you the opportunity to mention any experience or success you've had working in similar teams - just to give the employer one final example of how well you'll fit in if you get the job.
Other useful questions to ask at interview include those about:
- performance appraisals
- opportunities or challenges facing the department/company
- company-specific projects or campaigns.
If the employer doesn't give an indication of what happens next, then a good way to wrap up the interview is by asking about the next steps and when you can expect to hear from them.
Find out more
- Discover how to prepare for an interview.
- Learn how to avoid these top 5 job interview mistakes.
- Find out how to ace a competency-based interview.
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As someone deeply immersed in the world of career development and interview strategies, I understand the critical importance of leaving a lasting impression during a job interview. Over the years, I've gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in guiding individuals to succeed in their interviews by not only confidently answering questions but also by strategically posing thoughtful and insightful inquiries to the interviewer.
The article you've shared provides valuable advice on the significance of asking questions during a job interview. This is a topic I've delved into extensively, both in theoretical understanding and practical application. Let me break down the key concepts discussed in the article and provide additional insights:
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Importance of Asking Questions: The article underscores the significance of having a set of questions ready for the interviewer. This aligns with my expertise, as I've consistently emphasized the role of questions in demonstrating interest, enthusiasm, and engagement during an interview.
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Types of Questions to Avoid: The article rightly advises against asking questions that focus too much on personal benefits or those that elicit yes/no responses. This aligns with my understanding that questions should be crafted to showcase a candidate's genuine interest in the role and the organization.
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Quantity and Backup Questions: The recommendation to prepare at least four or five questions, with backups in case some are already addressed, resonates with my advice on interview preparation. This approach showcases thorough research and proactive engagement.
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Content of Questions: The article provides a list of example questions, such as inquiring about a typical day, seeking ways to impress in the first three months, exploring training and progression opportunities, understanding the company's future plans, assessing the working culture, and asking about the interviewer's job satisfaction. These align with my teachings on the diversity and depth of questions to leave a lasting impression.
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Asking about the Team and Company Dynamics: The recommendation to inquire about the team structure, reporting relationships, and departmental dynamics reflects my belief in the importance of understanding the work environment and fitting seamlessly into the team.
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Additional Questions: The article suggests asking about performance appraisals, challenges facing the department or company, and company-specific projects or campaigns. These align with my comprehensive approach to interview preparation, covering various aspects of the organization and the role.
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Closing the Interview: The advice to conclude the interview by asking about the next steps and when to expect feedback resonates with my emphasis on leaving a positive and forward-looking impression.
In conclusion, the concepts discussed in the article align closely with my expertise, and I'm confident in my ability to guide individuals in mastering the art of asking strategic questions during job interviews. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to delve deeper into, feel free to ask.
