When preparing for an interview it’s easy to focus all of your energy on how you’re going to respond perfectly to the interview questions. But it’s not all about your answers. The questions that you bring to the hiring process can carry a lot of weight so it’s important to know what sort of questions to ask at the end of an interview. Employers like to know that their potential employees are curious and interested in the job, the company goals and how they would fit into the workplace. Get some inspiration for the next time you’re in the hot seat.
9 killer questions to ask at the end of an interview
1. “Could you describe some common challenges associated with this role?”
It’s really 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 that you 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 specifically 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 off. You’ll get a sense of what you would 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 struggles facing the organization will also help you to 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. “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 important to understand exactly how that machine works and especially 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.
7. “How has this position changed over time and how is it slated to change in the next couple of years?”
Job positions evolve over time – 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.
8. “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 that 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.
9. “How does this company promote the professional development of its employees?”
The best places to work 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 really 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.
Now that you know which questions to ask at the end of an interview, apply now to boost your career!
Sources: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/interview-questions-ask-hiring-managers, http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshows/the-8-best-questions-to-ask-a-job-interviewer/18
Photo 1. based on Alex France – Uni interview today at Huddersfield [Day 23], by Alex France, CC-by-SA 2.0
Photo 2. based on Airport, by Konrad Karlsson, CC-by-ND 2.0
Photo 3. based on Hotel Management trainer helping a guest at the Pearl Continental Hotel Rawalpindi 9, by Hashoo Foundation USA – Houston, TX, CC-by-SA 2.0