It’s your turn now! As your job interview winds down, one of the last things you may be asked is, “What can I answer for you?” Your interviewer will anticipate that you may have some queries.
If you don’t ask any questions, you may come across as unprepared or uninterested, so prepare some of your own to ask the hiring manager.
You’re not just attempting to get this job; you’re also interviewing the employer to see if the organization and position are a suitable fit for you.
Prepare questions to ask during an interview.
Inquiring about the corporate culture and the precise day-to-day requirements of the work is a wonderful approach to ensure that if you are recruited, your first week or two in the position will be free of major surprises.
In addition, asking questions allows you to showcase some of your traits, talents, and experience, demonstrating to the employer why you’re a great fit for the job.
Questions to Ask an Interviewer
Here is a list of questions to ask the interviewer to determine whether the organization is a suitable fit for your qualifications and interests.
- Responsibilities and Requirements
- How would you define the position’s responsibilities?
- What qualities do you want in a candidate?
- What are the most difficult aspects of this job?
- What is a typical day like in this position?
- What is a normal workweek like?
- Is overtime expected?
- What is the most critical item I should get done in the first 90 days?
- How much travel is anticipated?
- Is it possible to relocate?
Structure of the Office
- What is the size of this office/department?
- To whom does this position report? Can I meet with them before making a final choice if I am offered the position?
- What is the management style of the company?
- Do you have a policy in place to assist new team members in settling in?
Culture
- What are the most significant benefits of the job and working for this company?
- What is the most enjoyable aspect of working for this company?
- What is your least favorite aspect of your job?
- What kind of background do you believe will best prepare you for success in this position?
Promotion
- Why is this position available? Is this a brand-new position? If not, what was the former employee’s next step?
- What are the opportunities for progress and growth?
- What is the best way to advance in a company?
- Is there any example of a career path that started with this position?
- Do you offer possibilities for professional development?
Vision and Mission
- What words would you use to characterize the values of this company?
- How has the company evolved in recent years?
- What are the company’s expansion and development plans?
More Concerns
- Is there anything else I should have asked you?
- Do you have any worries regarding my credentials?
- Is there anything I can clarify about my qualifications for you?
- If you extend me a job offer, when do you want me to start?
- When can I anticipate a response from you?
Interview Questions You Shouldn’t Ask
There are some questions you should avoid asking since they will cast a negative light on you.
- What exactly does this company do? (Do your homework ahead of time!)
- When will I be able to take vacation time if I obtain the job? (Refrain from mentioning prior obligations until you receive an offer.)
- If I receive the job, will I be able to adjust my schedule? (If you need to figure out how to go to work, don’t bring it up now.)
- Is it true that I got the job? (Don’t be hurried. They’ll notify you.)
Question-Asking Guidelines
While you do not need to ask every question on the list above, having a few solid questions prepared will make you appear to be an intelligent and prepared candidate for the position. Here are some more considerations to bear in mind as you create your own set of questions.
- Avoid “Me” Questions: “Me” questions are those in which you place yourself ahead of the employer. These include compensation, health insurance, vacation time, weekly work hours, and other concessions. During an interview, you should try to show the employer how you can benefit the firm rather than the other way around. Once you’ve been offered a position, you can start asking questions about what the organization can do for you.
- Only ask one question at a time: Avoid multi-part queries because they will simply confuse the employer. Each question should focus on a single point.
- Questions with “Yes” or “No” answers should be avoided: The majority of inquiries with a “yes,” “no,” or another one-word answer may be answered by searching the company’s website. Instead, ask questions that will spark a conversation between you and the employer.
- Pose Questions on a Variety of Subjects: Avoid asking inquiries about a single topic. If you just ask questions about your manager and his management style, the interviewer may believe you have a problem with authority figures. In order to exhibit your curiosity and interest in all facets of the position, ask questions on a variety of topics.
- Don’t Get Too Personal: While it’s fine to try to strike up a relationship with your interviewer, avoid asking personal questions that aren’t public knowledge. For example, if you notice a college flag on the employer’s wall, you might surely inquire as to whether he attended that college. However, avoid asking excessively personal questions regarding the interviewer’s family, color, gender, and so forth.
Questions Employers Should Not Ask
During a Job Interview There are several interview questions, commonly referred to as unlawful interview questions, that employers should not ask during a job interview. Questions regarding your race, age, or any disability are examples of prohibited questions that potential employers may ask you.
You’ll Be Asked These Interview Questions
In addition to creating a list of questions to ask the hiring manager, it’s a good idea to go over the most typical interview questions so you can plan your responses.
Expect to be asked about your experience and qualifications, as well as your greatest talents and shortcomings, how you handle success and failure, what sets you unique and why you’re worthy of consideration.