When preparing for an interview, it’s easy to focus all your energy on how you will respond to the interview questions. But it’s not all about your answers. The questions you bring to the hiring process can carry a lot of weight, so it’s important to know what questions to ask at the end of an interview. Employers like to know that their potential employees are interested in the job, the company goals, and how they would fit into the workplace. Let's not forget that a job interview is a conversation, so you should come with plenty to say.
Get some inspiration for good questions to ask in an interview:
1. “Could you describe some common challenges associated with this role?”
It’s useful to know what you’re signing up for when taking on a new professional challenge. It’s especially pertinent to understand the potential roadblocks that you might end up facing. Your initiative to understand the nitty-gritty part of the work will also show the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in the position and want to know exactly what to expect.
2. “How is success measured in this position?”
Understanding the metrics of how your success will be measured can help you gauge what’s expected of you. Your interviewer will also see that you’ve got a keen interest in being a successful employee and delivering. You can also use the answer to this question to sell how you’ll be able to be a successful employee for the company.
3. “What are some examples of what successful previous employees have done in their first months in this role?”
This question will help you better understand what exactly your employer expects, particularly when you’re starting. You’ll get a sense of what you'll need to do in your first few months. Your interviewer will be impressed and you’ll have a better idea of what’s expected of you – win-win!
4. “What initially attracted you to working for this company?”
Understanding what attracted your employer to the position will help you to decide if it’s a place that you would also enjoy working. You’ll gain valuable insight into the benefits of working at the company.
5. “What are some challenges your company has had to overcome in the last year?”
Before you agree to work somewhere, it’s good to have an accurate sense of where the company stands and how they’re trying to improve. Understanding the struggles facing the organization will also help you sell your own experience. You can explain to the interviewer how you would help the company tackle these challenges, showing your commitment to the team and the company’s success.
6. “Where do you see this company in 5 years?”
Just like the firm wants to know about your plans for the future, it’s vital to know where the company will be then too. Nobody wants to get on board a sinking ship. See what you can find out about the firm’s trajectory from the hiring manager.
7. “What goals does this company have and how does my role help the company achieve these goals?”
A company is a well-oiled machine. It’s crucial to understand how that machine works and how your position fits into that machine. Getting the best sense of the potential role will improve your ability to convince an employer of your worth. You’ll also be able to see whether or not the position is something you would be interested in doing.
8. “How has this position changed over time and how is it slated to change in the next couple of years?”
Job positions evolve – for better or for worse. That’s why it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for before even looking at a contract. It’s important to know if there is room to grow the position or if the role might change into something else.
9. “Do you have any reservations about my qualifications for the position?”
This question is a great way to understand where you stand in the eyes of the employer and then address any hesitations they may have. You can take advantage of this opportunity to explain how you can overcome weaknesses in your resume or prior experience. The best kind of employee is versatile and a quick learner.
10. “How does this company promote the professional development of its employees?”
The best workplaces are organizations and companies that invest in their employees. Knowing how a potential employer treats their employees will help you decide if it’s a place you want to work. After putting time and money into a company, you want to feel like putting in the extra effort will advance you professionally.
11. “What’s the next step in the hiring process?”
This question is good for establishing when you can expect to hear back about the interview and how you should prepare yourself in the case of more interviews or another hiring stage. You also may get a better picture of whether or not they are interested in continuing with you as a candidate.
Job interview tips like these will put you ahead in a competitive job market, as employers will see your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills. Pair your international internship experience with these interview questions, follow-up with your interviewer after, and you'll be in a strong position to get your dream job!
