What Questions Should I Ask in a Job Interview

A job interview isn't only about an interviewer asking questions to an interviewee. It is also about the interviewee asking questions to the interviewer. To signal the end of a job interview, a hiring manager may propose the question, 'do you have any questions?'

Many applicants may be unsure of what questions to ask or if they should ask any at all. It is vital to understand which questions you should ask and how you can ask them. In this article, we will look at what questions you can ask in a job interview.

Why Do You Need to Ask Questions in a Job Interview?

There are several reasons why you should ask an interviewer some questions at the end of an interview. First, it signifies that you have come to the interview both interested and prepared for the role you're applying for. Come across as enthusiastic and engage with the interviewer in the same way they have engaged with you in the questions.

The worst response you can give to an interviewer is “no, I don't have any questions.” A job interview is your chance to gauge if an organization is the right fit for you. Take the opportunity to dig into what you want to know about the organization or the role. After all, the interviewer has done the same thing beforehand.

During your job interview, you may also have thought of some questions to ask at the end. Pay attention fully and think actively of questions while you are being grilled. This is your last chance to focus on your relevant qualities and show them off to the hiring manager.

What Should (And Shouldn't) You Ask?

Be smart with your questions and make sure to tailor them to the organization and role that you are applying for. The questions you ask should serve to further the interview and help gain relevant information that you can utilize. Personalize your questions and build from the content of your interview so far.

You should aim to ask about four or five questions to the interviewer. Although you need to build off the content of your interview so far, you should also try to cover areas that haven't been addressed. Really dive into areas that will help you gain a clear picture of the organization and the job.

There are also interview questions that you should avoid asking. Steer clear of questions about salary and vacation allowance until you have received a job offer. As well as this, try to leave questions open-ended so that the interviewer doesn't respond with yes or no.

Examples of Questions You Can Ask at Your Job Interview

Many of these questions may naturally be answered in the job interview. Even if that is the case, it is still good to have some questions in mind that you could ask before you head to your job interview. Here are some examples

• Can you show me an example of a project that I'd be working on?
• What would a typical work week be like in this position?
• Is there anything else about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role that I should know?

• Can you tell me more about the culture of the organization?
• How has the company recently developed into where they are now?
• What excites you most about the company's future?

• How will the success of my work be evaluated?
• What immediate challenges need to be addressed?
• What would you expect from someone in the first 3/6/9/12 months in this role?

• Are there any opportunities for training within the role?
• Are there any opportunities for progression within the role/company?
• Will there be chances to represent the company at public events?

• How does the team support each other to achieve company goals?
• Who will I be reporting to in the role?
• What are the biggest strengths and challenges currently for the team?

• What would the onboarding process for the position look like?
• Can I answer any more questions for you?
• Is there anything else I should provide to you?

• What do you enjoy about your job?
• How long have you worked at the company?
• What's your favorite part about working for this company?

These questions don't cover everything that you could ask your interviewer, but they can give you a good start. Take some time to sit down and think of job interview questions to ask within the context of your job interview and application. Good luck and seize the opportunity!