At the end of most job interviews, the interviewer will give the candidate a chance to ask questions of their own and in order to give the them the impression that you really are interested in the company, it’s important that you grasp the opportunity and ask at least one question. If you’re unsure of what kind of thing to ask however, here are a few questions that you should ask in your job interview.
What experiences and skills does an ideal candidate for this position possess?
This open-ended question allows the interviewer to tell you what exactly the company is looking for. If the interviewer mentions a skill or experience that you have, but didn’t include in your resume, now is your chance to let them know.
In what way is performance measured and reviewed?
This question shows your interviewer that you are interested in becoming successful in the position you are applying for and appreciate the importance of delivering results. It will also give you an idea about whether your personal values align with the company’s or not.
What do you like about working here?
This question allows you to connect to the interviewer on a more personal level. The interviewer’s answer will offer you some insight into the company culture and how satisfied the employees are. If you are applying for a job in a small company, and the interviewer is the owner of the company, then you may want to skip this question.
Can you tell me about the people I’ll be working with?
It’s important to know who you will be reporting to and who you will be working alongside if you were to land the job, so that you can build an idea about where you would fit in and how your contribution would affect the rest of the company. The interviewer’s answer will tell you a bit about the co-workers that you will be interacting with on a regular basis and give you further insight into the company dynamics.
Why does this vacancy exist?
This will let you know whether it is a new role or if you are replacing a previous employee, and if so why did they leave? It may be able to offer a bit of insight about the happiness of employees and whether there is much progression within the company.
Does the company offer any training or further education opportunities?
This question shows that you are willing to learn and grow with the company in order to perform your best in the role and shows that you are looking to progress in your career and within the company. This is particularly important if you are applying for a job in the technology industry.
Is there scope for progression within the company?
This again will demonstrate that you are serious about becoming a valued asset within the company and are looking to progress within the business, showing commitment and drive. Employers want to hire staff with ambition and enthusiasm, so don’t worry about coming on too strong or jumping the gun, as it will just show them that you are looking forward in your career and are confident.
Do you have any hesitations about my skills and qualifications?
This is one of those gutsy questions that may impress your interviewer. However, only ask this if you are confident about your qualifications and skills. Be prepared to convince your interviewer otherwise if they do flag up any concerns of theirs.
What is the next step in the hiring process?
This important question should wrap up your interview. By asking this question, you show the interviewer that you are really interested in the job and that you are excited to move forward. You may also ask the interviewer about the number of candidates competing for this position.
Image credit: Shutterstock
