QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING A JOB INTERVIEW

After fielding all the questions from an interviewer, do not shy away from asking some questions of your own. Deciding not to ask any questions could be misconstrued as a lack of interest in the role or company or even a sign of being unprepared for the interview. Conversely, asking a few meaningful questions indicates that you have done your research and are eager to learn more. You might even gather some information that could help you on the job if selected.

It will be counterintuitive to ask questions that the answers are readily available at the click of a button on the company website or the job description. Questions about compensation, work hours, company objectives, and mission easily tell that you did a poor job of researching the company before the interview.

There are myriads of great questions to ask your interviewers. It could vary depending on the role you are applying for, the industry or sector, and even the size of the company. Here are some ideas of good questions you may want to ask at the end of your interview:

1. What do you like most and least about working here

• This is an indicator that you are capable of handling tough issues and asking tough questions in the quest for honesty. This question could also change the course of the interview from formal to informal showing that you could be a good fit for the organization.

2. How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position?

• Your willingness to learn shines through with this question. You are looking beyond yourself to discover what is expected for that role so that you can adequately position yourself to fit into that mould if you are interested in the job.

3. What is the career path for this position?

• This will instantly tell you if the job fits into your career path and future professional goals.

4. If I were to start tomorrow what would my top priority be?

• This question spells confidence, eagerness, excitement, and a desire to know what the company prioritizes in that role. You are willing to align your goals with those of the company if selected.

5. What are the prospects for growth and advancement in this position?

• You are simply saying that you want to stay with the company for the long haul, so you’d better know the opportunities available to you. That is a scoring point for you because companies want employees who are willing to grow with them so they can develop and become leaders.

6. How would you measure my success, and what could I do to succeed in your expectations?

• Performance management, goal setting, company objectives, and expectations of the role are at the heart of this question. It shows that you realize that there are expectations, and you seek to understand the success criteria as that would help you know what goals to set for yourself. You are open to receiving feedback, and willing to learn and grow.

7. Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve and how can I come to speed quickly?

• Curiosity, eagerness, interest, and an open mind make for quick learning. That is exactly what this question connotes.

As a rule of thumb, never go for an interview without having some questions prepared for your interviewer.

Be prepared!

Best of luck!