We’re all told that we should prepare some good questions to ask at the end of an interview. But what exactly should those questions be?
Whilst searching for interview advice, a large proportion of the tips usually relate to how you can prepare for certain questions and the skills you’ll need to impress. But, what the guidance usually lacks are good questions to pose to really stand out from your competitors.
Based on research by Glassdoor, we reveal the questions you could ask to highlight that you are interested and taking the hiring process seriously. Bear in mind that each one will depend on the situation.
Understanding more
An easy way to get beyond the basic job description and probe deeper into the details of the job, is to ask more about the role’s expectations and success metrics, such as
1. How does this position contribute to the organisation's success?
2. What do you hope I will accomplish in this position?
3. What support would this position have?
What about the culture?
As much as an interview is about assessing your ability to be a good fit with a company's culture, it is also about gathering as much information and insight into it yourself. You need to understand whether the company is a fit for your values, passions and interests too.
If you pose a simple 'what is the company culture like?' question, it is too easy for the interviewer to come back with something marketing department or human resources approved. Instead you could ask:
4. How long have you been with the company?
5. What was the last big achievement that was celebrated?
6. Would you say that everyone here loves their job?
7. How long do people tend to stay at the company?
Salary, progression and perks
During an interview is the perfect time to ask informed and important questions about pay. No, it's not presumptive or rude; in fact, it's an important factor in your decision-making process:
8. What is the salary range for this role?
9. Besides the base pay, what other benefits are available or negotiable?
10. What's the outlook for progression, salary rises or promotions?
11. How do you recognise and reward high performers?
Day-to-day responsibilities
Drill down into the everyday tasks and expectations for the job you're applying to. These questions are perfect to ask your potential manager or another leader on the team:
12. Tell me about the typical day-to-day role of this position.
13. What are the team's work hours? Are there any specific requirements for time in the office?
14. How does management deliver feedback to employees?
Future opportunities
From development programs to training and mentoring, get a sense of what the company offers in the way professional growth and development opportunities.
15. Do you have a formal mentorship program or are there mentors available?
16. How have you had the ability to grow in your role?
17. Have any of your current leaders worked their way up the ladder here?
And finally…
Don’t forget to stay positive throughout the job search and ask as many questions as are necessary for you to find a job you love. You may not want to wait until the end of the interview to ask all your questions either – it’s better to spread them out and of course, encourage a natural conversation.
Lastly, if you like the sound of a job but have concerns, it's better to ask the questions and find out the answers in the interview – rather than starting the job and not enjoying it after your fears are realised.