Nailing your Interview with the right questions

So you’re almost at the end of the interview, and the interviewer turns to ask “Do you have any questions?”

This is perhaps your final chance to cement yourself as the preferred candidate so do not underestimate this part. I would look at this as a two fold opportunity

1. You have a final chance to impress the interview panel

2. Rectify any potential mistakes/clarify anything you’ve said. 

Now before we get into some examples, let's start with a little plea… please DO NOT be that candidate that just replies by saying “I did have but you’ve answered all the questions I had prepared.” Although this can be true, this is not going to leave any lasting impressions.

So if they have answered all the questions - let them know which questions you had prepared and how they had answered them during the previous part of the interview.

Listen the truth is, there are a tonne of great questions you can ask at the end of the interview and perhaps I look at my own experiences through rose tinted glasses but here is what I would recommend, a mix of questions I’ve learned through my experiences but also some which I have used myself in an interview.

There is no set rule to how many questions (normally I recommend 3) you should prepare but be mindful not to star in your own crime drama interrogation scene. Keep the list short but reflective of key things which are important to you.

1. How would you describe the company’s culture and attitude towards its employees?

Company culture has always been important but today it is more prominent than ever. So ensure this is the type of company you want to work with and ask them something that aligns with your own beliefs and values.

2. “What do you imagine the career path to be for someone in this role?”

This will help you understand if there is a defined structure for success within the company? Do they plan on supporting your growth and how? But also, this shows the company you are interested in your long term development. Remember those early impressions can be the difference between being successful or unsuccessful.

3. “Are there any answers I have provided today you would either like me to elaborate on or anything else at all you would like me to clarify in more detail?”

This is the question I would recommend anyone ever asks at an interview. It is quite literally your final roll of the dice - if the interview panel are unsure on a previous answer, here you have given them the chance to ask again but more importantly, for you to provide an improved answer which could seal you that offer.

The interviewers will be expecting you to ask them questions so leave that impressive impression on them with well thought out, genuine questions that align with your values.