Are you preparing for a job interview? Wearing the proper attire and developing answers for situational and behavioral interview questions are not just what you need to prepare for an interview; you should also prepare some questions to ask your interviewer.
Why prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview?
Anticipating the interviewer’s common questions, practicing your answers to nail those questions, and having a set of good interview questions to ask after an interviewer can help you land the job. Being prepared will leave a strong impression that you really want the job and understand your role in the organization.
Not only does it show that you are ready for the job and are interested in the position—but asking questions after the interview will give the information you need in case you accept the job offer.
Tips for asking your interviewer questions
One of the common mistakes candidates make is replying “no” to the interviewer’s question, “Do you have any questions for me?” Interviewers ask this question at almost all interviews as the conversation comes to a close.
Remember that an interview is a conversation, and a good conversation is a two-way process that requires balance in giving and taking information (asking and answering questions—or vice versa).
Here are some tips to transform your job interview into a conversation and build rapport with the interviewer.
1. Do your research about the company
Show that you have done your research by preparing questions about the company’s culture, vision, and outlook. It also shows that you are interested in growing a long-term career with the company. The interviewer’s answer will give you an opportunity to get a sense of how the company is currently performing.
Questions to ask the interviewer:
- Can you tell me more about company culture?
- How long have you been working for this company?
- What is the best part of working for this company?
- What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
- How would you describe the management style of the organization?
- What is the difference between working here than anywhere else?
2. Ask questions about the job role
Although the interviewer may already cover all of the information about the job’s functions, asking questions about the role is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what you will do. You will get to know more about the job by asking about the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations in your role.
Questions to ask the interviewer:
- Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role? Or what does a typical day look like?
- If I get hired, what would you expect me to accomplish during the first three months?
- What are the biggest challenges that someone would face in this role?
- What are the skills and experiences you’re looking for in an ideal candidate?
- Can you tell me more about the department that I’m going to be part of?
3. Ask about the next steps
Asking the interviewer for the next steps is critical in ending an interview. This is so that you know where you stand in the hiring process. Although the interviewer or hiring manager won’t give you a specific answer, asking the next steps will give you insight into what you will expect.
Questions to ask the interviewer:
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
- Can I answer any final questions for you?
- Do you have any final questions about my qualifications?
- Is there anything else I can provide that will be helpful?
- What is the expected start date for this job?
Unique interview questions to ask an employer
During the interview, you need to stand out from other candidates. Asking unique questions will impress your interviewers. Here are samples of unique and thoughtful questions to showcase your intelligence and interest in the job role.
- What characteristics should the candidate in this position exhibit?
- What would be the greatest challenge that someone in this role should get used to?
- Are there promotion opportunities within the company?
- Has your role changed since you’ve been here?
- Do you promote employees internally?
- What are some challenges this position might face?
- What metrics or goals will my performance be evaluated against?
- How often are employees promoted?
- What’s been your best experience working here?
- What is this company’s competitive edge?
- How has the company changed since you came aboard?
- What does success look like for this company?
- Are there tasks that would be required to do that aren’t included in the job description?
- What’s your favorite company tradition?
Questions you should not ask an interviewer
As much as you want to be honest during your interview, there are certain questions and topics that you should refrain from bringing up. Do not ask questions related to salary or benefits. The interviewer or hiring manager discusses the salary and benefits, usually at the last round of the interview or hiring process. Asking for this information too early will give them a bad impression of you. Below are some of the questions you should never ask an interviewer:
- When can I expect a raise?
- What does the organization do?
- Who are your competitors?
- Is the work schedule flexible?
- Will I earn annual leave right away?
If you want to answer the interview questions with confidence and want to know how to answer tricky questions, then you should take the Recruiter Reveals: Job Interview Formula online course. You will discover the best ways to answer the toughest interview questions, how to avoid the most common candidates in job interviews, and how to create a great and lasting impression during your interview.
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