An interview isn’t over when the interviewer stops asking questions—the questions you ask of them are equally important in the hiring process. The questions you ask are another step in figuring out if you are the best fit for the position you are interviewing for. And when asked correctly, the questions you ask can also impress your interviewer, getting you one step closer to landing the job. Avoid general questions in your interview—basic questions about the company should have already been answered in your preparatory research.
1.) What kinds of challenges will someone with this job run into?
Asking this question shows that you care about succeeding in the role. It also helps you understand the obstacles you may face once you begin. Listen closely to the challenges your interviewer shares. Take their response seriously, and decide whether you feel confident and comfortable handling those expectations.
2.) What is your company culture like?
Gaining insight into the company’s culture can help you decide if you and the employer are a good match. Culture plays a major role in long-term job satisfaction. You can get a basic sense of a company’s culture through online research. Explore their website, social media, and employee reviews for clues.
However, hearing the culture described directly by your potential employer is far more accurate. Their explanation gives you a clearer picture of what it feels like to work there each day.
3.) What has turnover in the job been?
Asking about turnover can help you understand how much you may enjoy the position. Turnover often reveals a lot about a workplace. High turnover could signal issues such as poor management, unclear expectations, or a stressful work environment. Low turnover may indicate strong leadership and satisfied employees. Use the answer to guide your decision about whether the role feels right for you.
4.) What are the typical career goals for someone with this job?
Before you walk into your interview you should have a clear picture of your own career goals—and checking if these align with the position you are interviewing for is crucial. If most people in the position end up in a job or field that you aren’t aspiring to, the job may not be a good fit.
5.) When do you think you will reach a decision?
Don’t ask your interviewer if you’ve been hired at the end of your interview; rather, ask when the next step will be in the decision process. This question can also affirm your interest in the position, showing that you are eager to be hired.
These as well as many similar questions can be posed at the end of the interview. Keep in mind that each question you ask should be well informed and genuine, with the goal that both interviewer and interviewee are looking for the right match for the position.