In a job interview, the majority of the questions are directed at you. Interviews can seem very one-sided and intimidating at times. However at the end of each interview, most employers will leave some time to ask you if you have any questions for them. Some candidates get taken aback by this question or are too nervous to think of any questions to ask. Employers say most candidates don’t take full advantage of the opportunity to ask them questions, leaving them to assume that perhaps the candidate is not serious about the position or wondering if the job is the right fit for them.
Be prepared with some questions about the position you’re applying for before you go in for an interview. If your questions are answered during the interview, try to at least ask some follow-up questions to the information provided. Asking questions is a great way to show the research you’ve done on the company—new projects, partnerships or campaigns they’ve launched, and to express your seriousness about the position. Through intelligent, inquisitive questions you can end the interview with a bang and leave the interviewers with a positive impression of you even if the entire interview wasn’t perfect. The more detailed and specific the questions you ask about the company the better. Just be sure to phrase them in a professional way, keep it positive and don’t bring up any controversial topics. Check out some of the best questions to ask in an interview below. You can tailor them to the position/ company you’re interviewing for.
- If hired, how could I best help the company meet its goals?
- What do you like most about working here and what would you say is the most important aspect of your company culture? What is your ideal communication style with your staff?
- If I were to start tomorrow what should the top priorities be on my to-do list?
- What are your expectations for this position and how can someone surpass your expectations?
- What are the top skills and qualities you feel the right candidate needs to excel in this position?
- What improvements or changes do you hope the new candidate will bring to this position?
- What does a typical day or work week look like for the person in this position? Could you give me any examples of projects I would be working on if I were to get the position?
- Does the company offer any continued education or professional training opportunities?
- Is there anything that stands out to you that makes you think I might not be the right fit for this position?
- What are the next steps in the selection process? When do you expect to make a decision?
