Questions to Ask in a Job Interview - alis (2024)

Toward the end of an interview, most employers ask if you have any questions about the organization or the job. If you say no, as some applicants do, you’re turning down an opportunity to:

  • Make a good impression on the employer
  • Decide if this job is a good fit for you
  • Use the information to sum up why you're the best person for the job

When you use this opportunity to ask thoughtful questions, you show the employer that you:

  • Care enough to do your research
  • Are interested in the organization
  • Are confident and able to assert yourself in the right way

Check out these suggestions to be ready to ask questions during a job interview.

Prepare your questions

As you research the employer to prepare for the interview, you’ll probably think of questions that you can ask about the company and the position.

Most employers will expect you to bring a list of prepared questions with you and to write down others you think of during the interview. When the employer invites you to ask questions, quickly review your list and ask questions that haven’t already been answered.

There is no correct number of questions to ask in an interview. But 3 or 4 well-chosen questions are usually enough to show your interest without taking up too much time. Pay attention to the interviewer’s non-verbal cues when you ask your first 2 or 3 questions. If you sense that asking more would not be appropriate, leave the other questions for a follow-up interview or until you are offered the position.

It’s important to avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless the employer mentions these topics first. You want the employer to know that your main concern is how you can benefit the organization—not how much you will be paid. It’s best to wait until you’re offered the job before asking detailed questions about the salary and benefits package.

You may be able to use information in the interviewer’s answers to help you demonstrate that you’re the best person for the job. As the interviewer responds, jot down keywords and ideas and refer to them when you sum up your qualifications at the end of the interview. Use this chance to create a clear picture of how hiring you would good for the organization.

Use the following questions as a guide to develop your own questions based on your research.

Questions about the organization

  • What are the organization's biggest challenges?
  • How would the person doing this job be involved in meeting these challenges?
  • What are the company's long-range plans?
  • How does the organization support professional development?
  • What are the prospects for advancement within the organization?
  • What is the organization’s management style?

Questions about the position

  • What are the key responsibilities of this position?
  • How does this position fit into the company?
  • How would you describe the ideal candidate?
  • Can you describe a typical work day, or week, for this job?
  • What immediate projects or tasks would I be working on?
  • Is this a new position? If not, what kind of position has the previous employee moved on to?
  • What training programs are available to new employees?
  • Who would my immediate supervisor be? How would you describe their management style?
  • How soon after hiring would I expect a performance review? What process is used?
  • What are the prospects for advancement in this position?

Questions about the work environment

  • What do employees enjoy most about working here?
  • What key values or attitudes does the organization look for in the people it hires?
  • How is success measured in this company?
  • How would you describe the culture of this organization?

Ask questions to show interest and learn about the organization

Keep in mind that an interview is a two-way street. Not only is the employer assessing you, you are also deciding whether you would want to work for the organization. Welcome the interviewer’s invitation to ask questions as an opportunity to show your interest and find out information that will help you make a good decision.

Questions to Ask in a Job Interview - alis (2024)

FAQs

What are some insightful questions you can ask at an interview? ›

7 good questions to ask at an interview
  • What does a typical day look like? ...
  • How could I impress you in the first three months? ...
  • What opportunities are there for training and progression? ...
  • Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years? ...
  • Can you describe the working culture of the organisation?

What are the top 10 questions to ask an employer? ›

10 Impressive Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
  • “How will you measure the success of the person in this position?” ...
  • “What are some of the challenges you expect the person in this position to face?” ...
  • “Can you describe a typical day or week in the job?” ...
  • “How long did the previous person in the role hold the position?
Apr 2, 2024

How to succeed at a job interview in Alis? ›

Prepare for a successful job interview using the Four Ps: Prepare, Practice, Participate and be Positive. Get information and referrals about career and employment options from Alberta Supports. successful job interview using the Four Ps: Prepare, Practice, Participate and be Positive.

What is the best answer for "Tell me about yourself"? ›

Provide a Brief Highlight-Summary of Your Experience

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

What are smart questions to ask? ›

Deep Questions to Ask Someone
  • What's your favorite quality about yourself? ...
  • What is something that makes you feel unstoppable?
  • What three words would you use to describe yourself?
  • Would you call yourself brave?
  • When do you feel the safest?
  • What's your favorite childhood memory?
  • What's your biggest life regret so far?
Jul 31, 2023

What to ask in a final interview? ›

Questions to ask in a final interview
  • What does a typical day look like in this position?
  • Can you tell me about the team I'd be working with?
  • Who will I be working directly under?
  • Are there any reservations about my fit for the role that I can address?
Sep 25, 2023

What is good weakness to say in an interview? ›

For example, you might say, "I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks because I'm a perfectionist and I want to make sure I do everything correctly." You should also be ready to back up your weakness with an example of when you had to overcome it in your work.

How to ace an interview? ›

  1. Tell the truth. ...
  2. Listen carefully to the interviewer. ...
  3. Never slight a teacher, friend, employer, or your university. ...
  4. Watch your grammar. ...
  5. Be prepared for personal questions. ...
  6. Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits. ...
  7. Don't expect a job offer at the first interview. ...
  8. Close on a positive, enthusiastic note.

Why should I hire you? ›

A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed. I have the skills and experience needed for the job, and I am eager to learn and grow with your team .

How do you nail a job interview? ›

How to nail an interview
  1. Do your research.
  2. Prepare an elevator pitch.
  3. Study your resume.
  4. Study the job description.
  5. Use the STAR method .
  6. Create a strong first impression.
  7. Be prepared for small talk.
  8. Body language.
Jun 9, 2023

What is the best answers for interview questions? ›

You can structure your answer by following these three bullet points:
  • Review the job description for qualities that the employer finds valuable.
  • Incorporate ways you've been successful in your previous roles.
  • Highlight the traits or skills you've been praised for by former managers and colleagues.
May 28, 2024

Why must we hire you sample answer? ›

“You should hire me because I have a proven ability to lead teams and drive results, through my experience in project management and my natural ability to motivate others. I'm committed to creating a positive work environment and am always looking for ways to help my team grow and succeed.”

How to answer the question "Why should we choose you?"? ›

Here are some additional examples to build your response to “Why should we hire you?”:
  1. You have a passion for the work and proven abilities.
  2. You have differentiated experience in this field.
  3. You have exceptional drive and determination to succeed.
  4. You have unique skills that separate you from other candidates.
Jul 31, 2023

How do you ask insightful questions? ›

How to ask the right questions
  1. Develop an open-ended question. Create an open-ended question related to what you want to know. ...
  2. Allow the person to answer. It's important to choose the right time to ask questions. ...
  3. Ask follow-up questions. ...
  4. Thank the person. ...
  5. Ask to get an answer. ...
  6. Be understanding. ...
  7. Practice active listening.
Mar 10, 2023

What are great analytical interview questions? ›

Sample interview questions about analytical skills

Describe a problem that you had to solve but where you lacked important information. What did you do? How do you weigh advantages and disadvantages before you make a decision? Describe step by step how you would solve problem XY.

What is an insightful question? ›

Insightful questions are aimed at getting deeper understanding of a particular subject. Socratic Questions. 5-Why Method. Insight is an accurate and deep understanding of a specific cause and effect within a particular context.

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