What to say when it’s your turn to ask questions in an interview.
Toward the end of the job interview, the interviewer is going to say, “Do you have any questions for me?” Answer no, and you seem uninterested or lacking enthusiasm for the job or the employer. You should be prepared to ask at least one or two questions; if you don’t, the interviewer may think you are unprepared or not interested in the company.
This is the time to ask other questions about the company that weren’t answered during the interview. Ask about the growth of the organisation, new products/technologies, company culture, management style, career paths, opportunities for advancement and training programmes. You can also use this opportunity to ask questions that subtly demonstrate your knowledge of the company and the industry.
Examples of questions to ask at your job interview:
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How would you describe a typical workday?
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What is the best part of working at this company for you?
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Does the company support ongoing training and education for employees to keep their skills up-to-date?
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What are the typical responsibilities and duties of this job?
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What skills are considered most useful for success in this job?
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How many people work in this particular department?
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What areas of the department do you think need improving?
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What parts of the job need improvement compared to how it’s been handled to date?
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What is your company’s corporate culture?
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What are the company’s values?
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How would you characterise the management philosophy of this company? Of your department?
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What is the company’s policy on transfers to other divisions or other offices?
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Assuming I was hired and performed well as a … for a number of years, what possible opportunities might this lead to?
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I have noticed in the trade press that your company has a terrific reputation in marketing. What are the major insights into the marketing process that I might gain from this position?
Don’t ask about …
Don’t ask about company benefits, such as health-care plans. Be sure to save your questions about salary, benefits, and related issues for later, after you receive an offer. You will still be free to negotiate – or to decline the position – at that point.
And don’t ask questions where the answer is obvious or readily available – or when the topic has already been thoroughly discussed in the interview.
Ending the interview
ALWAYS end the interview with, “I am very interested in the position. What are the next steps to take?” Also ask when a decision will be made on filling the position and whether there’ll be another round of interviews. “I would really like to work for your company. I think it’s a great company and I am confident I could do this job well. What is the next step of the selection process?”
Debbie O’Halloran
