What questions should you be asking in an interview?
It may seem daunting, but interviews are a two-way-steam. You should most definitely prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview to show your interest and understanding for the role and organisation.
We've highlighted some questions you can ask at the interview...
Why is the position vacant?
Jobs will open up for a variety of reasons some may be positive, some negative. You could potentially ask whether or not the job was created because the company is expanding, this would give you an insight into the company and the plans they have. Also, you may ask, was the previous person promoted? The employer’s answer will help you determine the rate of growth and turnover.
How would you describe the company culture?
This will be one of the more important questions you should ask. The response will help you understand what daily life at work will be like, how colleagues interact and socialise and the company values. You need to ensure you will fit in well with the culture of the company as you will be spending the majority of your time there.
What are the companies’ goals over the next five years? How does this position fit into the company and the goals?
By asking this question it will reflect your goal-orientated nature and will suggest to the interviewers that you will not jump from one job to the next. The answer will show you how your position fits into the company, its structure and your projected career.
What is a typical day like for this position?
You will spend most of the interview talking about yourself. Most job descriptions will tell you most of what you would like to know, however it won’t tell you all you need to know. A question like this will help you find out whether your typical day will involve doing something you dislike for hours on end, this may mean that you will have to reconsider the job and if it is right for you.
Do you support any local charities? If so, what do you do?
Larger companies will support charities. Interviewers will pick out from this question that you are a caring person, it will show them a softer side of you and show them that you have the willingness to help those less fortunate. Knowing which charities the company support it will give you an idea what your job role might include you doing such as helping out at certain events.
How much travel is expected?
Asking how much travel is expected will give you an insight into how much of the time you will be in and out of the office, and also driving around. If you are a person who doesn’t like commuting, travelling or stopping over in hotels at night to go to a meeting the next day then the job may not be for you. But, by asking the question, you now know how much you would be expected travel, which may cause you to reconsider the job role.
When can I expect to hear from you?
This shows that your enthusiasm you have got the job or not. It will suggest to the interviewer that you ‘can’t wait to hear from them’. You will also know when you are likely to find out the results of the interview.
How do you see me in comparison with an ideal candidate?
A question like this will allow feedback. If the interviewers chose to answer in depth then they will let you know where you stand and give relevant feedback points. At this point, you should listen very carefully to what they have to say because it could help you with further interviews and jobs.
Hopefully, a good interviewer will provide you with plenty of information about the organisation and job – if not here are some additional questions you could ask:
What is the company's management style?
Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
How many people work in this office/department?
What are the opportunities to train and gain further knowledge in this job role?
Would you like a list of references?
Who would I work with closely on a day-to-day basis?
What are the most challenging aspects of the position?
What are your department's most important projects in the next year?
What makes your organisation different from its competitors?
