Successful candidates understand that a job interview is a
two-way street. At the end of a job interview, asking the best questions of a
potential employer will help you decide whether you want to work for the
company or continue your job search. Continue reading for a list of
twenty-three interview questions.
An Introduction to Interviewing
As part of the hiring process, recruiters usually conduct
job interviews with their best applicants after receiving résumés for a new
position. Your potential employer will ask interview questions to understand
the type of person you are and to look for any red flags that may indicate a
bad fit for the work environment in order to find the ideal candidate.
Typically, you'll have an initial job interview (often over
the phone) with a human resources representative. If that goes well, you'll
move on to the next round of interviews with additional company
representatives, such as your direct supervisor and other team members. They'll
ask about your job history, career path, and work style during the interview.
You may also receive information about your new job, such as the daily tasks
you are expected to complete.
They will ask if you have any follow-up questions about the
job opportunity at the end of an interview. This is the time to ask probing
questions about what you can expect if they hire you. If everything goes well
and you appear to be a good fit for the company, you'll be offered a job and
begin your onboarding process.
Why Should You Ask Follow-Up Questions at the End of an Interview?
Asking the right questions before accepting your next job
will help you find the best fit for this stage of your career. Make sure to ask
questions about the organization, the team, the role, the manager, and your
future career opportunities. In addition, asking questions shows the
interviewer that you are engaged in the discussion and enthusiastic about the
company and role.
4 questions regarding the company or the organization
You'll want to learn as much as you can about the business.
What should I inquire?
1. Could you describe the corporate culture and the
workplace?
2. What long-term goals does the business have?
3. What are the core values of the business?
4. Has the business changed over the years?
Five questions regarding the team
You'll want to learn more about the group of co-workers
you'll be interacting with and how much. 1. What are the main difficulties the
team is currently facing?
2. What abilities can I bring to the current team as a new
hire?
3. Can I expect my roles on the team to evolve over time?
4. Can you tell me about my team? Will I be collaborating
with multiple teams?
5. What would you say about my immediate supervisor?
Five questions about the role
Beyond the job description, you'll want to understand your
position within the organization. You can enquire:
1. Describe a day in the life of someone in this position.
What daily tasks will I be expected to complete?
2. What are the top priorities you want me to accomplish in
the upcoming months?
3. By what metrics will my performance be assessed? Will I
be given regular feedback or be required to complete formal performance
reviews?
4. What kinds of initiatives and projects will I be involved
in?
5. Is this a new position or one that has been in the
company before?
Five questions for your manager
You can learn a lot about the workplace from your
interviewer's responses to questions about their own experiences working there.
Dial in:
1. Since when have you been employed here?
2. How long have you worked as a manager?
3. What do you like best about working here?
4. What are the toughest tasks at this company?
5. Do you feel your work and personal lives are in balance?
4 Questions about Career Development
The interview's conclusion offers a great chance to inquire about how your role might change over time to align with your long-term career objectives.
1. Are there opportunities for me to advance my career in this
position?
2. Will this position give me the chance to develop new
skills?
3. Does this position offer any career paths with room for
advancement?
4. Can you outline the professional trajectories of
successful members of this team or position?
5 Interview Questions You Shouldn't Ask at the End
Despite your desire for more specific information, avoid
asking the following questions at the end of your interview:
1. Information that is easily obtained: Avoid asking
questions such as what the company does that you could have researched or found
on the company's website before arriving. Before you arrive for your interview,
you should learn as much as you can about the company.
2. Negative inquiries: Try not to ask about anything that
could be considered sensitive to the company, such as recent layoffs or the
company's financial situation.
3. Raises or promotions: Avoid sounding demanding when
asking when you can expect a raise or promotion. Though you can inquire about
job opportunities within the company, making demands before they offer you the
job may cast you in an unfavourable light. Save these questions for when you're
negotiating your salary.
4. Online monitoring: Inquiring whether your online activity
will be monitored implies that you will spend your time on social media or
visiting irrelevant websites. Most potential employers will not want you to
devote time to personal interests. Instead, concentrate on company culture,
values, and management styles.
5. Invasive questions: Avoid asking your interviewer too
many invasive questions. Only ask friendly, positive questions about the
potential job.
