Questions you must ask your interviewer

Questions you must ask your interviewer

You may already know that an interview isn’t just a chance for employers to ask you with questions, but is also your opportunity to know more about the company and sense whether it’s a right opportunity for you.

While some interviews may seem like it’s a one-way conversation, usually it’s not. You have to trigger a two-way conversation by asking them the questions too. The key is to ask right kind of questions. The kind of questions you ask should arrive from what you would like to know to evaluate the job opportunity.

Having no questions for your interviewer may make you seem disinterested in the position. At the same time asking questions can facilitate deeper and engaging conversation with the interviewer and will also give you the opportunity to further highlight some of your skills and experience.

There is an endless list of questions you may wish to ask the interviewer depending on what you would like to know from them. Here are some of the suggested questions that will help trigger your thinking and also help you initiate the conversation.

1 . I’ve read about the company’s founding, but can you tell me more about it?

While you need to do your own research on the company through information available on internet and calling few known contacts, it is also important to know about it from the interviewer as well. People from inside the company may give you more clear information about the company that will help you in your evaluation process.

2 . What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how is this role expected to support it?

It will be very helpful for you to know where the company intends to reach in short-term and long-term. You will be clear in evaluating the importance of the offered role in achieving the company goals.

3 . Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?

This question allows you to know as much as you want to know about the role. It is recommended to spend more time discussing this topic and understand from the interviewer everything specific to the job descriptions and how your day-to-day responsibilities adds to achieve your KRA’s. This will also give you a great insight on the specific skills and strength needed to develop & perform on the job.

4 . What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 days, 60 days, year?

Having a new job is exciting, but it comes with lot of performance expectations. Understand your 30 day, 60 days and annual objective that the company would like you to demonstrate your performance on. It is always good to be clear on this front to avoid any mis-understandings later.

5 . What are the biggest challenges facing the company/department right now?

Challenges can become great opportunities. Asking about the challenges will give you a clear insight on trends and issues in the industry and help you identify areas where your skill and experience could be beneficial to the company.

6 . What is the typical career path for someone in this role?

Asking this shows your interest in growing with the organization and approaching a long-term relationship. It will also help you understand if the company has the roadmap for career advancement of an employee within the same department or across other departments.

7 . What are the company’s core values? Can you tell me more about the company’s culture?

The company’s core values are directly connected to the what they value in each individual of the organization. Getting more information on company’s culture will help you imagine your everyday experience at the job if you choose to take the offer.

8 . Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him or her before making my final acceptance decision?

It is important to understand who will you be working with. Having a chance to interact with your reporting manager will give you a first-hand idea about his/her personality. This will further help you know if you find it comfortable to work with and learn more from this person.

9 . Is there anything about my background or resume or our conversation that makes you question whether I am a good fit for this role?

This shows your commitment to understand your prospect as a candidate and your openness for a feedback. It will also make it comfortable for an interviewer to give you a feedback and ask for any clarification if they need before your interview ends.