The questions you should be asking in your next interview

Picture this: You get through your interview and the conversation went great. You were able to answer all the questions that the employer had for you, even the tricky ones. Then, things are wrapping up and the hiring manager asks, “So do you have any questions for me?” Your mind goes blank, and you’re left stumbling over your words only to ask how their day is going. AWKWARD.

It’s always a good idea to have questions lined up to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. It shows that you have a genuine interest in working for the company and while you are a good fit for the position, is the position is a good fit for YOU.

Here is a list of some of the best questions you should ask when the time comes.

 The Position

It’s always a good idea to have the entire scope of what the position entails. Will it include work that you love or loath? Make sure to ask for the details such as:

• What does a typical day look like in this position?
• What attributes does the ideal candidate need to have to be successful in the position?

Performance Measurements

Understanding how your success will be measured is critical to both your success in the role and for knowing what is expected of you. Ask questions like:

•  How is performance measured for the role?
• How often would I formally be reviewed and what is that process like?

 The Team You Would Be On

Who you’re working with could really make or break your work life. It’s important to work with a team that you would not only thrive professionally with but also enjoy being around. Here are some things you could ask:

• Could you tell me more about who I will be working with directly?
• Who will I report to?

 Questions About the Company

You should know a bit about the company before you have your interview, but it never hurts to learn more about where you might work. Jobs aren’t just about the tasks at hand, they’re about the mission of the company as well and you might as well be on board with it. You could ask things like:

• What is your company culture like?
• Could you tell me about the last team event you did together?

Training Opportunities

Each new job opportunity you get, and career advancement should help you grow. Will this position help get you to the next step? Here are some things you could ask to find out:

• What type of training will I have to go through, if any?
• Are there opportunities for advancement or professional development?

The Interviewer’s Perspective

Sure, your interviewer will ask you a lot of questions about you, it is an interview after all, but asking questions about them is a good way to show your interest and build rapport. Some things you could ask to make more discoveries about them, and the company are:

• What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth?
• What gets you most excited about the company’s future?

Ending or Additional Questions

In order to wrap up the conversation, here are some things you can ask to not only get closure but guide the conversation into a smooth close:

• Are there any other concerns or questions that you have about my background or being a fit for this role?
• What would the next steps be in the process?

Thus, it’s always good to have questions lined up to ask the interviewer. The more the better in case they cover most of your questions throughout the conversation. These specific questions that we’ve discussed are discovery questions you can ask to ensure that you want this next position. Now go ahead, ace that interview, and find the next career move that’s right for you.

Written by

Olivia González

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