What Are The Best Questions To Ask An Interviewer During A Job Interview?

The first few times I interviewed for a job, I found myself silent when the tables were turned and the interviewer asked me if I had any questions.

My silence was partly due to the fact that the question was unexpected. But sometimes I didn’t have any questions because I clarified points during the interview and had all my questions answered already. And, I admit, sometimes I just wanted the interview to be over so that I could breathe a sigh of relief.

Truth is, in a crowded job market, the last thing you want to be is forgettable. Yet people do it every day with this one mistake: not asking any questions in a job interview.

The mistake is understandable. You’ve been so busy preparing to answer questions, that you’re forgetting to show the curiosity that lets interviewers see what you really want to know. After all, even if every single one of your responses is flawless and on point, by not asking a question or two of your interviewer you run the risk of coming across as generic, and ultimately even losing out on the job opportunity.

Here’s how to show the person interviewing you how you’re different and why you stand apart from the rest.

Why did you join the company?

If the interviewer tells you it was because of vacation days or benefits, chances are good that there isn’t all that much below the surface. If, however, they tell you about the creativity or integrity of the brand, you know you’re potentially going to work for a winner.

How does this role further the company’s mission?

While job duties and company culture are important to understand, determining why a company and role exists is just as, if not more, important. It will also allow you to better understand if you align with the company’s mission and will feel a sense of purpose in your new role.

Tell me about your most successful employees. What do they do differently?

Believe it or not, this one is almost a trick question for potential employers. The answer to this question will help you understand how a company defines success and what specific behaviors can lead to that success. This way, you’ll find out what success means to this company and how you can better achieve it.

What do you expect someone in this position to accomplish in the first 60 to 90 days?

Great candidates hit the ground running, find out how you will be expected to jump in and start contributing to the organization from day one.

What are opportunities for growth and advancement?

This can help you to understand the structure of the organization and if there are opportunities to move up and advance your career. It’s also a terrific way of finding out about diverse ways to progress or move into different roles Also, it could help you to learn if they offered continued training or professional development for employees.

What are the next steps in this process?

If the interviewer hasn’t already shared this information, it’s important to ask about their timeline so that you’re aware of when you could be notified of a second interview or a potential offer.

Would you like to master powerful questions to ask during an interview? Book a mock interview coaching session.

6 Comments

  1. This is very encouraging and creates confidence ,it has made me learn that I also need to ask questions to the interviewer if given chance

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