What to ask at the end of an interview
"So…got any questions for us?" It's that moment in a job interview that can feel oh so stressful. Not having any questions prepared might make them think you're not interested or don’t have good critical thinking skills. But asking too many questions could make you seem like you’re a bit demanding.
What a dilemma!
Our opinion? Asking the right questions in an interview are your secret weapon. They help you understand the job and the people you might work with. They provide better scope of the role and insight into your first few months. They even give you the chance to banter with your potential new boss which can help you understand how you’ll work together.
Ultimately, we believe a successful interview is like a chat where you feel free to ask questions at any time, not just at the end.
Play your cards right…you might not even get the dreaded “any questions for us?” at the end.
No matter when you ask, it's important to be ready with specific things you want to talk about. Asking the right questions can give you insights beyond what you read in the job ad or on the company's website.
Here are some questions that can really make an impact:
About You
What are some qualities that successful people at the company share?
What will be the biggest challenges in the first 1, 3, and 6 months of this job?
Where do you think I'll need the most help?
How will I know if I'm doing a good job?
If I do really well, what other opportunities might come up?
About Them
What do you love most about working here?
If you could change one thing about the company, what would it be?
What soft skill do you value the most?
Why did the last person leave this team?
Do you have any fun ideas you'd like to see happen here?
About the Business
What's something unique about how things are done here?
Besides business success, where does this company make the biggest impact?
How do you think the business will grow in the next five years?
What does company culture mean to this business?
Can you tell me about team members who have been promoted here and how they got there?
The best questions are ones that make your interviewer think. If you can surprise them and get them to be creative, you might get some really interesting answers.
Good luck out there!