Asking questions in a job interview is really important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it gives you an opportunity to find out more information, plain and simple. After all, this is generally the purpose behind most questions.
However, when facing the hiring managers for a role you really want, asking a question also highlights your interest in the job. It shows you want to know more, that you’ve engaged with the company beyond the job spec and if you ask the right question, it could paint you in an even better light and help you stand out. After all, you’re very likely to be judged on the quality of the questions you ask.
With this in mind, it’s important that you think about the questions you might ask before you go into the actual interview. Think of five or six questions and then start looking for the answers online. It will not necessarily impress a hiring manager if you ask a question for which the answer is clear on their website home page. It’s also important not to ask about money at this point, unless they bring it up.
You should not ask a question just for the sake of it. This may sound contradictory when we’re basically telling you it’s important that you do have a question, but bear this in mind: If it’s a company you really want to work for, or a role you really want to get, it’s highly unlikely that you won’t have questions, so just take some time to think about what you want to know and take this rare opportunity to find out while you’re sitting in front of a hiring manager.
Here are some top questions to consider that might give you a better insight into the company, the role and the potential career progression.
The answer to this question should give you a pretty strong idea of what will be expected of you on a day-to-day basis. As an added bonus, you may even be able to respond to this answer by reiterating some of your skills and why you’d be suitable for the job. For example, if they mention that you may need to meet with key stakeholders as part of your role, you can say:
“That’s great because, as I mentioned, my last job involved a lot of leadership meetings with clients and stakeholders so I’d be very comfortable with that.”
Similar to a ‘normal day in the role’ question, the answer to this question will give you a more targeted answer about what will be expected of you in the immediacy of starting the job. Day-to-day tasks and KPIs are two different metrics to think about and it’s important to have an idea of both and see how the two marry together. Again, knowing the kind of KPIs and targets that will be expected of you could give you a chance to talk about why you would be confident and comfortable in achieving them.
While company culture can’t be faked, a lot of window dressing can be put up to distract external candidates. Jobseekers can often wonder if an organisation is really as fun, supportive or friendly as it says it is. We’ve spoken before about using buzzwords without being able to back them up, but this question gives you a chance to turn the mirror on the company you’re interviewing with and see how they show you their culture. This will help you decide if you’re the right fit for them.
This one is important for career progression and upskilling. You want to know how the company is going to support your personal and professional growth if you are to stay there for a long time. You want to know that there is an upwards trajectory for you, be it through upskilling, bonuses or promotion. It will also give a good insight into how strong their onboarding and induction process is, which is an integral part of helping you settle in if you’re successful.
This is a great way to check how you’re doing in the hiring manager’s eyes and how well they think you fit the role. The answer may also highlight a concern they may have about you or a gap in your experience that could affect your success. It’s a bonus opportunity to alleviate those concerns as best you can or fill in any gaps that you may not have properly filled in.
A simple and straight forward question, but also an easily forgotten one. They may be vague the details at this point but at the very least, you will be most likely be told whether or not there will be a second interview, if you will have to prepare a presentation or an approximate date of when you might find out if you were successful. Most candidates want to know, but in the pressurised interview environment, may forget to ask.
Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and reaffirm your interest in the job. You will stand out from other candidates interviewing for the same role if you finish the interview in control, reminding them that you want the job and would be delighted to progress to the next round.
Remember, interviews are two-way and it’s important that an employer’s answers fit in with your career objectives and goals. Want more interview advice? Check out our interview guide here.
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Patricia Lynch is the sales & marketing recruitment manager at RECRUITERS
Question marks photo by Evan Dennis on Unsplash
