18 Questions to Ask in a Job Interview as Interviewee
Written by
- Redaction Team
- Professional Career, Professional Development
Going to a job interview can be nerve-wracking. It’s hard to predict the questions that the hiring manager will ask, and it’s challenging to know how to answer them in a way that will make you stand out from the other candidates.
But did you know that asking questions during the interview can also play a significant role in your chances of getting hired?
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why it’s essential to ask questions in a job interview, what the best questions to ask are, and what questions to avoid.
Why is it Important to Ask Questions in a Job Interview?
Before we dive into the types of questions to ask, let’s first understand why it’s so crucial to ask questions in a job interview. Here are some reasons why:
Understanding the Company Culture
Asking questions about the company culture is an excellent way to show the interviewer that you’re interested in being a part of the team. Through asking questions like, “how does the company foster collaboration?” or “what values does the company prioritize?”, you’ll gain a better understanding of what the company stands for and what’s expected of you as an employee.
Clarifying the Job Description
While you might come into the interview with a good understanding of the job requirements, it’s essential to clarify and get a deeper understanding of the position. You can ask about the day-to-day responsibilities, the expectations for success, and the metrics that will be used to evaluate your performance.
Discovering Opportunities for Career Growth
Asking about career paths and opportunities for advancement signals to the hiring manager that you’re looking for a job that will provide opportunities to grow. This shows that you’re ambitious and committed to your career.
What Questions Should You Ask in a Job Interview?
Now that we’ve explored why you should ask questions in a job interview, let’s discuss what questions to ask. Here are some examples:
Questions About the Job
Asking specific questions about the job shows the interviewer that you’ve taken the time to understand the requirements of the role. You can ask questions like:
- What would I be expected to accomplish in the first three months?
- What kind of training or mentoring is available for this role?
- How does this role fit into the larger goals of the organization?
Questions About the Company
You can also ask questions about the company to demonstrate your interest in working there. Some examples include:
- What do you see as the future direction of the company?
- How does the company define success?
- What do you think sets your company apart from its competitors?
Questions About the Interviewer
Asking questions about the interviewer can help build rapport and make the interview feel more like a conversation. Here are some examples:
- What led you to join this company?
- Can you tell me about your experience working here?
- What do you like best about this company?
What are the Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview?
Now that we’ve gone over some general questions to ask, let’s explore some of the best questions to ask in a job interview. These questions can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your interest in the job and the company.
Questions about the Company's Future Plans
Asking about the company’s future plans signals to the interviewer that you’re interested in a long-term career there. Some examples include:
- Where do you see the company in five years?
- What new initiatives do you have planned for the next year?
- What kind of growth or expansion do you anticipate for the company?
Questions that Showcase Your Interest in the Job
Asking questions that demonstrate your interest in the job can help you stand out from other candidates. Here are a few examples:
- Can you describe a typical day in this role?
- What would be my main challenges in this role?
- How does this role fit into the larger goals of the organization?
Questions that Highlight Your Skills and Experience
Asking questions that highlight your skills and experience can help you demonstrate your qualifications for the job. Some examples include:
- How would you describe the ideal candidate for this role?
- How does my experience fit with the requirements of the position?
- What kind of results have you seen from previous employees in this role?
What Questions to Avoid Asking in a Job Interview?
While asking questions can help you stand out and demonstrate your qualifications, it’s also essential to avoid asking the wrong questions. Here are some questions you should avoid:
Questions Related to Salary and Benefits
Questions about salary and benefits can make you come across as entitled or more concerned about the compensation than the job itself. Avoid questions like, “How much will I be paid?” or “What kind of benefits do you offer?” until further along in the interview process.
Questions that Show a Lack of Preparation
Asking questions that you could have found the answers to on the company website or through a quick Google search shows a lack of preparation. Avoid asking questions like, “What does your company do?” or “How long has your company been around?”
Questions that are Too Personal
Avoid asking questions that are too personal or make the interviewer uncomfortable. Questions about politics, religion, or sex are inappropriate and should be avoided.
What are the Top Questions to Ask at the End of a Job Interview?
As the interview comes to a close, it’s a good idea to ask a few more questions to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Here are some examples:
What are the Next Steps in the Interview Process?
Asking about the next steps in the interview process shows that you’re interested in moving forward with the company. You can ask, “What are the next steps, and when can I expect to hear back from you?”
Can You Describe a Typical Day in this Role?
Asking for a typical day in the role can help you better understand the position and decide if it’s right for you. You can ask, “Can you walk me through a typical day in this role?”
What Would be My Day-to-Day Responsibilities?
Asking about the day-to-day responsibilities shows that you’re interested in the work you’d be doing. You can ask, “What tasks and responsibilities would be expected of me in this position?”
Overall, asking smart questions during an interview is an excellent way to demonstrate your interest in the job and the company. By showing that you’ve done your research and have a genuine curiosity about the role, you’ll be well on your way to securing the job offer. Good luck!
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