Do you have any questions for us?
I can guarantee this will be the final question of any job interview you have.
Whatever you do, do not say no to this question!!!
Asking questions will make you look enthusiastic and keen. It also enables you to learn more about the organisation and the job you are interviewing for, and whether it is the right fit for you.
So – what questions should you ask?
Here is my quick guide to the best questions to ask your interviewer at the end of your interview. For a more general guide on how to ace your next job interview, read my blog post, How to Prepare for an Interview.
What will I be doing on a typical day?
The interviewer may have explained this to you during the interview, but ask if they haven’t or if you’re unclear. You want to clarify your daily responsibilities, as they will take up most of your time. Job descriptions aren’t always clear. Knowing exactly what deliverables are expected, you can manage your expectations.
What are the most challenging aspects of the job?
Again, knowing the answer to this question allows you to manage your expectations!
Unfortunately, not all days will be easy, but knowing which parts of the role are most challenging will help you determine whether it aligns with your skill set and desires.
It also demonstrates to the interviewer that you have a realistic awareness of working life and are happy to meet particular challenges.
Why did the person previously doing the role leave?
The answer to this question may expose a red flag or reassure you. If it were an internal move, then great – the organisation retains, develops and promotes talent. If the previous person left because they didn’t get on with their boss, didn’t feel challenged in the role, or wasn’t granted their flexible working request (for example), that should be a warning sign that the organisation has a poor company culture or that the role is unchallenging.
What is the company culture like?
Some of the best jobs I have had have had less to do with the role itself and more with working with a great bunch of people. I think this is the same for others, too.
Therefore, what will your colleagues be like? Will you get on with them? Will you fit in with them and ultimately want to spend up to 40 hours a week with them?
This question gives the interviewer an excellent opportunity to sell the organisation and tell you what it stands for and its values. You can then decide if your values align with theirs!
How does this role fit within the team/department/company?
This question allows you to gauge your level of responsibility and the Hiring Manager’s expectations. Who do you report to in the company hierarchy? Do you have any direct reports? How many? Do you have budget or revenue responsibility for your team/department, etc.?
How can I develop in the role? Do you provide learning and development opportunities?
A company that doesn’t invest in its staff doesn’t think highly of its employees and doesn’t develop their talents. These types of organisations will hold people back from achieving their full potential. So, you want to know exactly how much training is available and why. Do they encourage progression, learning, and development alongside that? If not, you may become bored with the job and look for a new position sooner rather than later – and too many short work stints on a CV are never a good look.
This question also demonstrates you are committed to the organisation and see yourself as a long-term hire – always a plus as no business wants to hire someone who will leave after three months (unless it’s a contract role).
What is the typical career path for someone who has done this role?
What are YOUR long-term career goals? Does this role help you to meet them? The answer will also inform you whether the organisation offers career progression and promotes from within.
How should I impress you in the first three months? How will my performance be measured?
This is a great question to ask. It makes you look keen, enthusiastic and a team player. Listen to the interviewer’s response to better understand their expectations of the role and know which areas to focus on first.
Do you have any hesitations about my application?
I love this question because it allows you to address any concerns the interviewer has about your experience there and then, and reassure them of your ability to do the job.
Where is the organisation hoping to be in 5 years?
By asking this question, you demonstrate that you see yourself as a long-term hire who wants to progress and contribute to the company’s success.
But you also want to know if their plans align with y urs. Are they planning to sell? If so, where will that leave you and your role? Or perhaps they want to grow? Again, does that mean more responsibility and opportunities for you? And, is that what you want?
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Everybody loves chatting about themselves and their experiences. And the answer will prove insightful. You may get a more candid response about the company culture and values, and how the organisation values its staff.
What are the next steps in the process?
This question helps you manage your expectations about when you will hear back and whether you will need to have any more interviews.
It’s an excellent neutral question and naturally draws the interview to a close.
Finally…
I know interviews can be nerve-wracking, and many candidates dread them, but they are a 2-way street. It’s good to consider them a first date rather than an audition!
You want to know if the company and role are right for you, too! Can you be yourself and flourish in the organisation? Asking insightful questions and listening carefully to the answers will allow you to assess whether the position is for you. And, if you get several job offers at the end of your job search, these responses will enable you to confidently pick the best opportunity for you and your long-term career.
Arming yourself with insightful questions is a brilliant strategy to stand out in an interview. But to truly master the art of interviewing, consider giving yourself an extra edge with our Interview Confidence Boost session. We’ll help you refine your questioning technique, enhance your overall interview strategy, and boost your confidence so you can easily navigate even the most challenging interviews. Elevate your interview game and make a memorable impact with our expert guidance. Discover more about our Interview Confidence Boost session and transform your next interview into a career breakthrough.
Good luck! Let me know how you get on by connecting with me on LinkedIn or tagging me on Instagram! I love hearing your news.