If you are fresh out of high school or college and have never worked before, you probably don’t know what to expect from a job interview. A job interview can be anywhere from nerve-wracking to a total breeze, depending on the position you’re applying for and your interviewer.
The chat may seem more like an interrogation if the interviewer is asking all the questions, and you are doing your best to answer.
Keep in mind, though, that a job interview is a chance for both sides to get to know each other. Your interviewer is actually expecting you to have a few questions of your own.
Now, you might be wondering what on earth you could possibly ask your potential employer, but in fact, there are many questions that fit the moment.
To save you the trouble, we have compiled a list of what questions to ask during an interview. Here are 15 of the best questions you can pose during your interview.
What questions to ask during an interview about company culture
Do you know what questions to ask during an interview about the company culture at the place you’re applying? Here are 5 examples.
01“What characteristics do you look for in employees that represent the company’s values?”
A company cannot be successful without its employees. They are the backbone of the entire operation, no matter how big or small the role is.
For the company’s values to be upheld, every individual employed will have to exhibit those same values.
This is a great question to ask since you will get an inside scoop on company culture and a preview of the types of people you will be working with.
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02“What is your favorite part about working for this company?”
If your interviewer is not the big boss and instead is an employee, this is a brilliant question to ask to get an idea of what it is like to work there.
Based on the response, you will be able to tell if you will enjoy the working environment. However, if your interviewer is hesitant or brushes over the topic, you might want to reconsider your application.
03“What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now, and what is the plan to overcome them?”
This question is addresses trends or any legal issues the company might be facing. You have a right to know about challenges your future employer is dealing with.
You wouldn’t want to be employed in a private company that is on the brink of collapse or bankruptcy, now, would you?
If you’re already aware of current issues, knowing the company’s battle strategy can help to put your mind at ease, and the knowledge can help you to feel more secure as an employee.
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04“Who do you consider to be your top competitor, and why?”
This question demonstrates an interest in the company, and it also shows that you have done some amount of research on the company to be able to discuss this topic.
05“Does the company organize social events?”
This question will help give you an idea of how much the company cares about its employees and their well-being. It shows that you are eager to meet other employees and that it is likely that you work well with others.
What questions to ask during an interview about interview performance
Asking about your performance during the interview can help you to predict how your interviewer feels about your application. Here are 3 examples of what questions to ask during an interview about your interview performance.
06“Is there anything about my resume that makes you question whether I am a good fit for this role?”
This question should be used when you feel like you’ve had a good interview. It’s a subtle way of asking, do I have the job?
The question its self shows a genuine interest in the position, and it also allows you to explain or clarify anything on your resume that may have raised a red flag for your interviewer.
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07“What are the next steps in the interview process?”
This question demonstrates that you are an eager candidate for the job. It will allow you to gather any other information or documentation that the company may need ahead of time.
08“How do I compare with other candidates who have applied for this job?”
Now, this is a question you should be careful with and should only use when you are sure the interview went well. Otherwise, it can put the interviewer in an awkward position, and even decrease your chances of getting the job.
Asking this can show your eagerness to get the job, and it will also give you a chance to address any concerns the interviewer may have.
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09“Based on what you have seen today, is there anything you believe I could improve on?”
The answer to this question can be useful whether or not you actually get the job.
Since the question is based on your performance during the interview, your interviewer can shed some light on what you may have stumbled on. It also shows that you are open to constructive criticism and are willing to work on yourself.
What questions to ask during an interview about development, responsibilities, and expectations
During the interview, it is important to ask your interviewer about how this job can help to propel your career. It’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with this role and what will be expected of you.
Here are 7 examples of what questions to ask during an interview about professional development, your responsibilities, and the expectations of the role.
10“What does an average day as [insert name of position] entail?”
If you don’t know what questions to ask during an interview, you should probably start off with this.
In other words, you’re asking about the daily responsibilities of this role.
Sure, they may have outlined them in the job posting, but confirming the role’s responsibilities shows a genuine interest in being successful in the position, and you can get a first-hand look at how your daily life at the company would go.
The truth is, all the tasks an employee carries out are impossible to outline on a job board, it is merely a summary, and minor details are often omitted.
While you might think you are signing up to answer phone calls and take notes, you may also be required to get coffee or help to set up presentations. You’ll have to be equally as comfortable with these things as you are with the stated responsibilities.
By asking your potential employer to clarify your role, it will help you to determine if this role will be right for you before anything becomes official. You wouldn’t want to start a job and end up hating it afterward.
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11“What is the most challenging aspect of this job?”
When you think about what questions to ask during an interview, this should be at the top of your list. It is important to ask about the good things the job can offer, along with the more complicated things.
The answer you get will most likely be based on your interviewer’s personal experience, or it may be a generalized answer. Use this to prepare for future challenges, or even to determine if the job is still attractive to you.
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12“With whom will I be working most closely?”
Chances are, you will be working alongside others no matter the type of job. It is, therefore, important to know the names and roles of these individuals, along with their accomplishments and even tips for fitting yourself into that dynamic.
13“Are there any opportunities for professional development?”
This is on the list of what questions to ask during an interview because it can help you avoid one of the most severe career blunders—stagnation.
The company you work for should have opportunities for growth, whether that is promotions, overseas work opportunities, seminars, workshops, or learning and development programs.
14“What does success look like in this position? Are there any KPIs?”
This is a great question and will give you an idea of what the company is expecting from you. This information will allow you to determine if you actually have the capacity to do well in your job.
photo by acworks on photo-ac
15“What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is about to start this job?”
The answer will give you a heads up about what you’re getting yourself into. It can also include problem areas for the role which you will need to be on the lookout for, and offer you insight into what is expected.
16“Can I shadow an employee or get a mentor?”
This line of inquiry shows that you are ready and eager to learn everything there is to know about the role, and subsequently perform to the best of your ability.
A question like this also gives the interviewer the impression that you work well with others, and that you’re a team player.
Finally, you will notice that there aren’t any questions about the salary or benefits associated with the job you’re interviewing.
That wasn’t a mistake, and it is a topic that is best discussed with HR after you’ve actually been selected for the job. Jumping the gun on these kinds of questions can send the wrong message.
Lastly
Knowing what questions to ask during an interview is very important. Your engagement in this way shows that you are already invested in the role, eager to start, and will prevent you from giving your interviewer the wrong impression.
