“So, do you have any inquiries for me??”
You don’t want to be surprised during a job interview when the interviewer has finished their questions and opens the floor. It’s critical to have a plan for how you’ll respond, as well as a list of questions tailored to that opportunity.
However, what questions should you ask? And should there be any avoided? Here are their recommendations for approaching this portion of the interview, as well as examples of successful questions from the past.
How to Tackle This Section of the Interview
Concentrate on two goals.
How to Approach This Interview Section
Concentrate on two objectives.
You could think of this part of the interview as your opportunity to assess the organization and whether you genuinely want to work there. According to Markman, one of your goals should be to use these questions to help you determine whether this opportunity is right for you.
However, the interview is still ongoing, and you still need to show that you’re the most suitable person for that position, according to Lees. So, your secondary goal is to continue demonstrating your suitability for the specific opportunity. Lees suggests saying something like, “I have a few questions, but can I say one thing before I ask?” This will allow you to emphasize any critical messages about your suitability for the job.
Personalize your questions.
It is critical to phrase your questions correctly. Instead of using generic language, ask questions that are specific to you. For instance, rather than “What does an average day look like?” You should inquire, “What would a normal day in this role entail?” That will help the hiring manager visualize you in the role.
Expand on your conversation.
It would be best if you also reflect on what has occurred in the interview. Ask follow-up questions based on what you and the interviewer have discussed. You might inquire about a project they mentioned before that you’d be working on or a duty not listed in the job description. The key is to make this part of the interview feel like it is continuing the conversation.
Sample Interview Questions
Here is a list of categories of questions to consider, as well as samples of each that you can personalize.
Questions about the specific job
1. What do you expect from me in this position?
2. What should be my top priority in the first 1 to 2 months?
3. How long until I’m… [meeting with clients, managing my own accounts, interacting with other departments, etc.]?
Questions about the team
4. Could you tell me a little bit about the team I’ll be working with?
5. Who will I be collaborating with the most closely? With which other departments or units will I be interacting?
Questions for your potential boss
If the interviewer is your boss, you should also ask similar questions.
6. How long have you been working here?
7. How long have you worked as a manager?
8. What makes you enjoy most about working for this company?
Questions about the company
9. What are the company’s current goals, and how does this team contribute to achieving those goals?
10.How has the company evolved in recent years?
Questions about the culture
11. What are the most common surprises for new employees after they start?
12. Is there anything I should read before starting that will help me communicate with my coworkers?
Questions regarding professional growth, career paths, and opportunities for the future
13. How will the team I’ll be a part of advance professionally?
14. What opportunities for learning and development will I have in this role?
Closing questions
15. Is there anything else I can give you that would be useful?
16. Is there anything I can clarify about my qualifications for you?
Questions to Avoid
Here are some examples of questions NOT to be spoken out at the end of an interview:
- What’s the starting salary?
- Could you please tell me about your medical insurance?
- What are your policies regarding paid time off?
Lees advises against mentioning about your benefits too early in the process. “Because you’re still in unknown territory, you’re not in a position to negotiate well.” “The time to talk about salary is after they’ve fallen in love with you,” he says. But what if the interviewer inquires about your salary expectations? This video provides helpful hints for navigating that difficult question:
You should also refrain from asking closing questions. (“Do you think I got the job?”) You do not want to appear arrogant or disrespectful of the company’s interview procedure.
Also, avoid asking questions that you could have discovered through prior research — and you should definitely conduct prior research on the job and the company!
You want to take advantage of this chance to ask questions. It’s an opportunity to continue proving yourself while also determining whether this job is a good fit for you. You’re not going to ask all 38 of these questions. Select beforehand the ones that are most pertinent to you, your interests, and the job at hand ahead of time. Then write them down — on paper or your phone — and review them beforehand, so they’re fresh in your mind. And, of course, respect Also, be mindful of the interviewer’s time. If you were scheduled to speak for an hour but only have five minutes left, select two or three questions that you believe to be the most significant. You will always be able to ask questions when you have a job offer.
