What Good Questions to Ask in an Interview
When it comes to interviews, it is all about questions. Although interviews are not an interrogation, asking questions is an important piece of the process. It is a learning process for both you (as the job seeker) and the potential employer. If you are both learning then, you must both be asking questions. But what kind of questions should you ask as a candidate?
Below is a chart of potential questions to ask an interviewer. The chart contains examples of company/industry related questions, job specific questions as well as questions relating to management style. This is not a comprehensive list of questions but provides you with examples and overall direction on the types of questions that are most appropriate and impressive to a potential employer.
One of the most important things to remember is that you are asking these questions to learn about the company, job and manager. As a result, use questions that will provide you with the information that you are attempting to learn. I can’t stress enough; the interview is for both parties to learn. Ask the professional questions that work for your needs.
| Potential Questions to Ask an Interviewer | ||
| Company/ Industry Questions | Job Specific Questions | Management Specific Questions |
| From a strategy perspective, what do you see for this company in the next 5 years? 10 years? | Why is this position open? | What is your management style? |
| Can you share any specifics on the company’s growth plans? | What are the performance expectations for this job in the first 6 months? First year? | How will I be evaluated in this role? |
| Please describe the company’s culture. | Please describe a typical work day. Work week? | In your opinion, why is this job important? |
| How will this particular role/ department fit into the overall strategic plan of the organization? | What is the most important goal for this role in the first year? | What do you value most in an employee? |
| What do you see as the future for this industry and how is this company aligned with that strategy? | What are the most important challenges in this role in the first 6 months? First year? | What is your pet peeve as a manager? |
If you select not to ask any questions, this is viewed poorly by the potential employer. This (in their mind) demonstrates a lack of interest in the job. So select some questions to ask and ask them. Please keep in mind, this is not an interrogation. The recommendation is that you ask 4 to 8 questions during this section of the interview. You want to learn valuable information while ensuring that the interviewer does not feel interrogated.
If you really want to impress the employer, be certain to ask for the job. Asking for the job is also an important piece of the interview. (Please note: Job offers are turned down more frequently than expected). To ask for the job, here are 3 examples of questions that you can use:
- What is the next step in the process?
- I know that you may not have an exact answer for this question, but based solely on what you have seem from me today, will you be recommending me for the next step in the process?
- How soon will you be providing me with more specific feedback on the next step in the process?
Using any one of these questions demonstrates a genuine interest in the role.
(See: How to Ask for The Job during Your Interview for more valuable examples).
When providing you with the questions that should be asked, it is important to mention questions that shouldn’t be asked in an interview.
Be certain NOT to ask:
- What is the salary?
- Describe your benefits.
- How much vacation time do I get?
- How soon can I take vacation?
- How many paid holidays a year?
- How soon can I be promoted?
Understanding that we work to get paid, these questions do not demonstrate an interest in the job. Instead, they demonstrate only an interest in the money, benefits and time off from work. Employers want to believe that you are also interested in the company and the job. As a result, do not ask these questions.
Focus on the questions in the chart above (or similar questions focused on details relating to the job).
One more important thing to note: The employer will be telling you some details about the job. This is usually done PRIOR to the job seeker asking any questions. Please be certain to listen to these details and do not ask any questions that the employer has already answered. This seems obvious but interviewees are nervous and sometimes focus more on their prepared questions versus listening.
| “I interviewed a candidate last week for an HR internship. The candidate was prepared with a list of questions. I described (in detail) the three main projects and performance expectations of the role. The candidate was very nervous.
At the end of the interview, the candidate asked:
This was a team interview and my interview partner was shocked. I reiterated the job detail and the candidate realized their mistake. It was too late. The candidate had left a bad impression with my interview partner. A major part of working in HR is being able to effectively listen. This behavior did not demonstrate that skill. We did not hire this intern.” – Sarah |
Download FREE: 60 Great Interview Questions to Ask During an Interview
To reiterate, prepare strategic questions, listen carefully and do not ask questions relating to salary, benefits etc… Asking the right questions can help you get your dream job.
Ansa John is the founder and prolific writer at www.ansacareers.com, where he shares his passion and knowledge about job search, interview tips, CV writing tips, personal and career development. He also provide free career resources and tools to help job seekers find their dream job.
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By asking questions you are not only are you getting more information about the job, you are even showing the interviewer that you genuinely care about the position, the company, and your role should you get hired.