Best Questions to Ask During an Interview
What you will find in this blog:
- Why is asking questions so important?
- Questions about the company
- Questions about the job
- Questions about company culture
- Questions about management style
- Questions about next steps
- Better to ask
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview is not asking questions when provided the opportunity.
Most interviewers will leave time for questions at the end of the conversation. It might be tempting to say you found out everything you need to know during your chat, but that is not the best way to show your interest. Trust me… ask questions!
Come prepared with questions already in mind in case you cannot think of anything on the spot. You can always jot down a question or two during your interview as well but coming prepared in advance is best.
Why is asking questions so important?
It is vital to ask questions when provided the opportunity. It shows the interviewer that you have interest in the company and role. It demonstrates that you are prepared, and have thought in advance about things that are important to you.
Asking questions can help you make a lasting impression, particularly if your questions are thoughtful and show that you genuinely want the role. Some questions can even give you the opportunity to expand on your own qualifications and reinforce that you are the right fit for the company.
Plus, you can learn a lot about company culture and management style from how questions are answered. You might learn something that solidifies and reinforces your interest, or something that is a potential red flag and that would lead you away from signing on with the company.
So, what kind of questions should you ask? Here are some ideas:
Questions about the company
If it wasn’t shared in the interview, it can be a good idea to ask questions about the company.
What are the company’s goals or KPIs for the following year?
How does the team I would be joining support company goals and growth?
What (if any) changes do you foresee for the company?
What would you say are the company’s top values?
Questions about the job
Demonstrate curiosity in the role and let the interviewer know you have been paying attention and want to be the right fit.
What is the most important skill for the next person in this role?
Can you share why the last employee moved on from this position?
What does success in this role look like in the first six months? First year?
How is performance evaluated in this role?
Questions about company culture
A blanket question of, “Can you describe the company culture?” is not the best option. Be specific about what is important to you regarding the company culture.
How does the company support professional development and training?
What is the review process like, and how often does it happen?
What would you say is the collaboration style within the company, and how do teams interface?
What is involved in the onboarding process?
What is your favorite part about working here?
Questions about management style
“What is your management style?” is a generic question and will garner a generic answer. Again, be specific!
How long have you worked here and how long have you been a manager?
How do you prefer to provide feedback?
How do you let employees know they are doing a good job, or conversely, how do you have difficult conversations about performance?
What is your favorite part about running your team?
What are your expectations of employees when it comes to decision making?
Questions about next steps
Don’t leave the interview confused and wondering what will happen next. Just ask!
What are the next steps in the hiring process?
When will the team be getting together to discuss candidates?
When can I expect to receive an update?
When will the team be making a decision?
Better to ask
Asking questions is crucial to the interview process. Do not leave your interview without asking at least a few questions to show the interviewer you are truly interested in the role and the company.
Need some guidance on what questions to ask in your interview? Connect with me to learn how I can help you with interview coaching, including preparing thoughtful questions for your interview.