If Interviews Are A 2-Way Street, What Questions Should You Ask?

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Job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it is also an opportunity for job seekers to learn more about the position and the company they are applying to. It is important to make a good impression on the interviewer, but it is also essential to ask the right questions to show your interest in the job and to gain more insight into the company’s culture and values. In this article, we will discuss the best questions to ask the interviewer during an interview.

The Importance Of Asking Questions During An Interview

Asking questions during an interview is not just a chance to show your interest in the job, but it is also an opportunity to learn more about the position and the company you are applying to. It is essential to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision if you are offered the job. Moreover, asking questions demonstrates your critical thinking skills, your curiosity, and your ability to communicate effectively.

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Preparing Questions To Ask The Interviewer

Before attending an interview, it is advisable to research the company and the position you are applying to. This way, you can prepare questions that are relevant and specific to the job and the company. You can also review the job description, the company’s website, and social media accounts to gain a better understanding of the company’s culture and values.

Types Of Questions To Ask

Company culture

It is essential to understand the company’s culture to determine if it aligns with your values and work style. Some questions to ask about the company’s culture include:

How would you describe the company culture?
What are the company’s core values?
How does the company foster teamwork and collaboration?

Job responsibilities

It is important to know the job responsibilities to determine if it matches your skills and experience. Some questions to ask about the job responsibilities include:

What are the primary responsibilities of this position?
What are the essential skills needed to succeed in this position?
How does this position fit within the company’s overall goals and objectives?

Opportunities for growth

It is important to know if there are opportunities for growth and development within the company. Some questions to ask about opportunities for growth include:

What are the opportunities for professional growth within the company?
Are there any training programs or certifications available?
Can you describe the career path for this position?

Feedback and evaluation

It is important to know how your performance will be evaluated and if there is regular feedback on your performance. Some questions to ask about feedback and evaluation include:

How often will I receive feedback on my performance?
How is performance evaluated within the company?
Can you describe the performance evaluation process?

Next steps

It is important to know what the next steps are after the interview, and what to expect in terms of follow-up communication. Some questions to ask about next steps include:

When can I expect to hear back from you regarding the position?
What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Can you describe the timeline for the hiring process?

20 Questions You Can Ask During An Interview

Can you tell me more about the company culture? Asking about company culture shows that you are interested in the environment and values of the company. Understanding the culture can also help you determine if it is a good fit for you.
What are the primary responsibilities of the position? This question helps you gain a better understanding of what the job entails and what your day-to-day tasks will be.
What are the biggest challenges facing the team/department/company? Asking about challenges demonstrates your interest in the company and shows that you are thinking ahead about how you can contribute to solving problems.
Can you tell me about the team I will be working with? Understanding the dynamics of the team you will be working with can help you determine if you will enjoy working with them and if you will be able to collaborate effectively.
What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company? Asking about growth opportunities shows that you are interested in building a career within the company and demonstrates your ambition.
Can you walk me through the performance evaluation process? Understanding how you will be evaluated can help you set goals and expectations for your work and ensure that you are meeting the company’s standards.
How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position? This question can help you understand if you are a good fit for the position and give you an idea of what qualities the company values in its employees.
How does this position fit into the company’s overall strategy and goals? Understanding how your work will contribute to the company’s overall strategy can help you feel more connected to the company’s mission and goals.
How do you handle conflicts within the team or between team members? Asking about conflict resolution shows that you are proactive in maintaining a positive work environment and can help you understand how the company handles disputes.
Can you tell me about a recent project that the team worked on and what your role was in it? Asking about recent projects can help you understand the scope and type of work you will be doing and give you an idea of how the team collaborates.
What is the management style of the person I will be reporting to? Understanding the management style of your supervisor can help you determine if you will work well together and if you will receive the support you need to succeed.
Can you tell me about the onboarding and training process for this position? Understanding the onboarding and training process can help you feel more prepared and confident in your new role.
How does the company encourage professional development and learning? Asking about professional development opportunities shows that you are interested in continuing to learn and grow in your career.
How does the company support work-life balance? Understanding the company’s policies on work-life balance can help you determine if it is a good fit for your personal priorities and needs.
How does the company stay competitive in its industry? Asking about the company’s competitive strategy can help you understand its strengths and weaknesses and give you a sense of the company’s overall market position.
What is the timeline for making a decision about the position? Asking about the timeline can help you know when to expect a response and plan accordingly.
What is the company’s policy on remote work or flexible schedules? Understanding the company’s policy on remote work or flexible schedules can help you plan your work arrangements and ensure that they align with the company’s expectations.
How does the company prioritize diversity and inclusion? Asking about the company’s approach to diversity and inclusion shows that you value a diverse and inclusive workplace and can help you determine if the company’s values align with your own.
Can you tell me about the company’s approach to innovation and new ideas? Asking about the company’s approach to innovation can help you understand its culture of creativity and give you a sense of how much autonomy you will have to pursue new ideas.
Is there anything about my background or experience that concerns you? Asking for feedback on your interview performance can help you understand any areas where you may need to improve and can demonstrate your openness to constructive criticism.

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Questions To Avoid Asking

While it is essential to ask relevant and specific questions during an interview, it is equally important to avoid asking certain questions that may be inappropriate or make the interviewer uncomfortable. Some questions to avoid asking include:

What does the company do?
What is the salary

Can I work from home?
How soon can I take time off?
What benefits does the company offer?
What is the turnover rate?

These questions may indicate that you are only interested in the benefits and perks of the job, rather than the job itself. They may also make you come across as entitled or not fully committed to the position.

Final Thoughts

Asking the right questions during an interview is crucial to making an informed decision about the job and the company. Preparing questions beforehand and tailoring them to the job and the company can demonstrate your interest and show your critical thinking skills. It is important to ask questions about the company culture, job responsibilities, opportunities for growth, feedback and evaluation, and next steps while avoiding questions that may be inappropriate or make the interviewer uncomfortable. Asking thoughtful questions can leave a positive impression on the interviewer and help you stand out as a strong candidate.

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Are you interested in improving your interviewing skills?

I have spent the last 10 years supporting companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies to find and the best talent around the world.

During this time, I have:

Scanned and reviewed more than 26000 CVs.

Conducted over 7000 interviews.

Secured new jobs and promotions in 20 countries across 3 continents.

For the past 4 years I have been developing best practices and solutions to give job seekers more confidence in interviews. I run 1:1 virtual interview workshops which show you how to articulate your values and strengths. Just like in sport, perfect practice makes perfect interviewing. Learn how to take on any interview with confidence with My Interview Workshop: