Okay, so you’ve landed an interview for a job you’re really interested in. But now what? You need to make sure you make the most out of the opportunity and get as much information about the job and the company as you can. And the best way to do that is by asking the right questions.
That’s where this guide comes in. Here, we’ll give you some advice on what questions to ask at an interview. This’ll help you can get a better idea of whether the job and the company are a good fit for you.
Asking the right questions can make all the difference. It shows that you’re not just interested in getting a job, but you’re also interested in finding the right job. It shows that you’re thoughtful and invested in finding a place where you can grow and succeed. Plus, you’ll be able to make a better decision about whether the job (and the company) is right for you.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time job seeker, if you need help on what questions to ask at an interview, then read on. Alternatively, jump to the section that’ll be most useful for you:
- What questions to ask about the position?
- What questions to ask about the company?
- What questions to ask about the team you’ll be working with?
- What questions to ask about the next stage in the recruitment process?
What Questions to Ask About the Position
One of the most important things to ask about during an interview is the job you’ll be applying for.
This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of what the job entails and whether it aligns with your skills and experience. By understanding the specifics of the job, you’ll know if it’s a good fit for you and if you’ll be able to perform well.
If you don’t have the required skills for a job, asking the right questions will help you find out before you start. Ask about the goals of the role to understand the company’s expectations and if you can meet them.
The same applies to asking about the performance evaluation criteria. Getting this question out the way before you start the job, means you’ll be able to understand how your work will be evaluated.
Asking about the opportunities for growth will help you understand if the position is right for your long-term career aspirations.
Asking the questions below will give you a better idea of what the job entails, what your responsibilities will be, and whether the role properly fits with your skills and experience.
Here are 10 questions you could ask about the position:
1. Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
2. What are the main goals or objectives of the position?
3. How will my performance be evaluated?
4. Are there opportunities for growth and advancement within the company?
5. What kind of training is provided for new hires?
6. Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?
7. What are the expectations for working hours/schedule?
8. Are there any specific skills or qualifications required for this position?
9. How does this position fit within the overall structure of the company?
10. Are there any projects or initiatives that this position will be responsible for in the near future?
Asking these types of questions will show your interest in the position, and that you’re thinking about how you can fit into the role and contribute to the company.
What Questions to Ask About the Company
It’s important to ask questions about the company you’ll be working for because culture and values will play a big role in your overall job satisfaction and career growth. And, understanding the company’s approach to diversity, equality, and inclusion can give you an idea of whether the company promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
Don’t forget, this is your chance to get a good feel for the business you could be working for.
For instance, asking about the company’s goals and objectives for the next few years can give you an idea of where you’re likely to focus your work. And, asking about the company’s approach to work-life balance can help you gauge if your potential new job will be a good fit for your lifestyle.
Antony Brown, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Proactive Personnel, Manchester, says, “Asking questions about the company you’re interviewing for is essential. Not only does this show your interest in the business but it’ll give you a good insight to what it would be like working there. As much as you need to be the best fit for the job, the company needs to be the best fit for you.”
Here are 10 questions you could ask about the company:
1. Can you tell me more about the company’s mission and values?
2. What are the company’s goals and objectives for the next few years?
3. How does the company prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace?
4. Are there any notable projects or initiatives the company is currently working on?
5. Can you tell me about the company’s growth prospects?
6. How does the company promote a work-life balance for its employees?
7. Are there any benefits or perks offered to employees?
8. Can you tell me about the company’s history and background?
9. How does the company stay competitive in its industry?
10. Are there any company-wide events or activities that employees can participate in?
Asking these questions will give you a better understanding of the company’s culture, values, and future plans. It also shows your interest in the company, and that you’re thinking about how you can fit in with the culture and contribute to the company’s success.
What Questions to Ask About the Team
The team you’ll be working with are the people you’ll be spending most of your time with at work. Did you know that the average UK employee will spend around 3515 days at work during their lifetime? That’s a lot of days if you spend them with people you don’t like!
Therefore, it’s really important to know if the team dynamic, communication style, and work ethics are a good fit with yours. Knowing about the team’s experience and background can give you an idea of the level of expertise and knowledge within the team, and how you can learn from them.
Asking about how the team works together to achieve goals can give you an insight into how decisions are made. It can also give you an idea of the level of collaboration within the team. Knowing about the team’s approach to problem-solving and decision-making can help you understand if it suits your own work style. Or not.
Ask about the projects the team is working on to see their focus and priorities, and how you can help. Knowing about the team’s involvement in company-wide events or activities can also give you an idea of the team’s culture and how they bond outside of work.
Here are 10 questions you could ask about the team:
1. Can you tell me more about the team’s experience and background?
2. How does the team work together to achieve goals?
3. What is the team’s dynamic and communication style?
4. Are there any specific projects or initiatives that the team is currently working on?
5. Are there opportunities for collaboration within the team?
6. How does the team handle conflicts or challenges?
7. How does the team stay current and up-to-date with industry trends?
8. Are there any team-wide events or activities that employees can participate in?
9. How does the team promote a positive and productive work environment?
10. Are there opportunities for mentorship or coaching within the team?
Asking these questions will give you a better understanding of the team’s experience, background, and how they work together to achieve goals. It also shows your interest in how you’ll fit in the team culture and how you’ll contribute to the their success.
What Questions to Ask About the Next Steps of the Interview Process
So now that you’ve asked questions about the position, the company, and the team, it’s also important to ask some questions about what happens next in the interview process.
By finding out about the next steps you’ll have a better understanding of the recruitment timeline and what to expect. Knowing these next steps can help you prepare any documents or information that your potential new employer may need from you. It also shows your interest in the position and your eagerness to move forward in the process.
For instance, knowing if there are any additional rounds of interviews can help you better prepare for the next stage. Asking about the specific skills or qualifications that will be evaluated in the next stage can also help you focus on areas you need to improve on.
Asking about references or background checks is a good idea as it allows you to prepare references in advance and inform them that they may be contacted. It also can give you an idea of how thorough the company’s hiring process is.
Here are 10 questions you could ask about the next stage of the interview process:
1. What is the next step in the interview process?
2. How will I be notified of the outcome of the interview?
3. Is there a specific timeline for when a decision will be made?
4. Will there be any additional rounds of interviews?
5. Are there any specific skills or qualifications that will be evaluated in the next stage?
6. Will there be any reference or background checks?
7. Are there any specific documents or information that I should prepare for the next stage?
8. Are there any opportunities for me to follow up or ask additional questions?
9. Are there any steps I should take to prepare for the next stage?
10. Are there any benefits or perks offered to employees?
Now you know why it’s important to ask the right questions at an interview, you’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the position, the company, and the team you’ll be working with. This guide contains questions to help you make better decisions and increase your chances of finding a job that fits you.
Remember: An interview is a two-way process. It’s just as important for you to understand everything you can about the business, as it is for the company to learn everything about you.
Use this guide as a resource when preparing for your next interview. Print it out or save it as a reminder of the important questions to ask.
Bonus Questions
We’ve provided 19 more questions below that will help you unlock more information about the job, the company, the team that you could be joining.
1. Can you tell me more about the expectations for this role in the first 6 months?
2. How does the company measure success in this role?
3. Are there any opportunities for career advancement within the company?
4. How does the company support employee development and growth?
5. Are there any specific skills or certifications required for this role?
6. Can you tell me more about the company’s approach to work-life balance?
7. Are there any opportunities for cross-functional collaboration within the company?
8. How does the company handle remote work or flexible scheduling?
9. Can you tell me more about the company’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion?
10. Are there any opportunities for international travel or relocation within the company?
11. How does the company approach performance evaluations and promotions?
12. Can you tell me more about the team’s current project and how the role fits in?
13. Are there any opportunities for volunteer work or community involvement within the company?
14. Can you tell me more about the company’s approach to innovation and creativity?
15. How does the company handle vacation time and time-off requests?
16. Are there any opportunities for part-time or flexible work arrangements?
17. How is feedback and suggestions handled within the company?
18. Can you tell me more about the company’s customer base?
19. How does the company stay current with industry trends and innovations?
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