In a job interview, it’s important to come prepared with a few questions to ask the employer during, and especially at the end of the interview. There are many different reasons for asking questions in an interview such as clarifying information and learning more about the opportunity to ensure it’s a good match. It will also show the employer that you’re sincerely excited to join their team. Not having a question or two for the interviewer may signal that you’re not all that interested in the position. Here are a few questions you should consider asking.
-
What are your expectations (projects, assignments and so on) for what someone in this role would accomplish in their first 2 weeks?” (Or month, first year, or whatever seems reasonable).
This will give you a better picture of what the employer is expecting you to do to be successful in the role you’re interviewing for. It will also give you the opportunity to highlight any relevant skills that you have or bring up previous successes related to the employer’s expectations or a successful candidate.
-
What does a normal day look like for this position?
This will give you a better understanding of what your day-to-day experience with the company will look like. Does it sound like a company environment and company culture you will enjoy coming to every day?
-
How long do you expect onboarding to last for someone in this role?
This will give you a good idea of any initial training that will be provided, what it will consist of and how they will help you prepare.
-
If I could learn something between now and starting, what would be the most useful thing to study?
This is a very tactful way to find out what they think the weakest part of your resume is – and if you get the same answer for several different interviews, you know what to read up on before the next one!
-
Ask questions about opportunities within the company for advancement of skills, or furthering education
If career and salary advancement is important to you, you’ll want to find out more about those kinds of opportunities. If your job will require you to learn about new technologies or other skills needed for both advancement and being able to do your job, you’ll want to find out if the company will provide training and advancement opportunities.
-
What challenges is this department or company currently facing? How would this role assist with those?
Asking a question like this can give you invaluable insight into things happening behind the scenes at the company. It will also show that you are already thinking long-term.
-
Ask what their best personal experiences have been working there
Does the interviewer seem to genuinely enjoy working there? If not, or if they try to avoid the question, that might be a red flag.
-
What do you think are some of the toughest aspects of this job?
Asking this question may shed some light on what previous employees may have struggled within this role, and give you an opportunity to assure the interviewer why you won’t have those same issues, or how you will be able to manage them and do your job successfully – or, find out before taking the job if there are aspects of the job that would make it a no-go.
-
Do you have any concerns about any potential gaps in my qualifications?
It is not uncommon that employers may be looking for certain skills that they’re not seeing highlighted on a candidate’s resume, even if the candidate happens to have that skill. Asking this question will give you an opportunity to address any perceived skills gaps to avoid misunderstandings. A benefit of working with a recruiter is that the employer will provide feedback after the interview and help uncover and correct any misunderstandings regarding lacking skills that the candidate may have.
These are just a few examples of questions to ask. If there are other interview questions you have found useful, please let us know in the comments. Regardless of what you decide to ask, the most important part is to have a few questions prepared to engage with the interviewer during the interview as well as at the conclusion of the interview if you’re asked if you have any additional questions.
iMPact Business Group is a staffing agency specializing in Information Technology, Engineering, Finance/Accounting, and Business Administration/Process positions. To connect with one of our professional recruiters, view our job board for all available positions, or submit your resume for consideration here. Click here to learn more about our available work from home opportunities and to submit your resume for consideration.
