9 questions you never thought to ask during your job interview

Job interviews are a two-way street. Even though you’re the one being interviewed, it’s still important to have questions prepared so you can get a better sense of the position you’re applying for. The more you know about the job, company and their expectations, the better you can sell your experience and also express interest in the opportunity. By asking questions, it’s clear that you’re eager and genuinely interested in the position. Here are 9 questions to ask during an interview.

1. Where do you see this company in 5 years?

Just like the firm wants to know about your plans in the future, it’s vital to know where the company will be in the future. Nobody wants to get on board a sinking ship. See what you can find out about the firm’s trajectory from the hiring manager. You need to find out whether or not there are opportunities to grow within the company.

2. How has this role evolved and how will this role continue to evolve over time?

Whenever you’re considering a new job, it’s important to know where the position has come from and where it’s going. If you’re going to fill this position, you need to see how responsibilities have evolved and what you may be expected to take on in the future.

3. How is success measured in this company and job position?

What you want to do is convince the interviewer that you’re the person who can bring success to the company and position. If you know how success is measured, it’s easier to know what aspects of your qualifications and skills to highlight.

4. What do you hope a successful candidate will accomplish within the first three months?

Discussing the nitty-gritty details of a new job shows just how seriously you’re taking the position. It’s useful information to have as you’re trying to sell your experience, because you can show exactly how your previous work experience can help you accomplish the goals of this specific role.

5. What do you find fulfilling about working here?

Nobody wants to work for a terrible company – not even if they are offering you your dream job. Get a sense of what people feel about working there by asking your hiring manager. It will show that you’re serious about the company and a person passionate about working for a worthwhile company.

6. How does the firm foster continuous growth and learning for its employees?

If you’re going to make an investment in a workplace, the workplace ought to make an investment in you. Asking about opportunities to learn and grow within a company reflects that you’re a hardworking, eager professional who is willing to rise to a new challenge if it means learning something new.

7. How big is the team I would potentially be working with?

Knowing how many people you will be working alongside can help you better gauge the role you’re taking on and how much interpersonal communication it will require.

8. What improvements need to be made to your team and how could I contribute to those improvements?

It’s good to have the hiring manager think critically about what needs to get better about the way their department is run. Having an idea of weaknesses can help you better shape your questions to address those weaknesses and add pertinent information about your professional experience and how it will make the firm better.

9. What is the next step in the hiring process?

You want to be prepared for the rest of the hiring process. You need to have an idea of when you might hear back and if there might be any further interviews or formal steps to follow.

Now that you have enough questions to ask during an interview, apply now to boost your career!

Sources: http://theinterviewguys.com/top-14-questions-to-ask-in-an-interview/#, https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/nine-questions-to-ask-interview, https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2014/06/18/10-job-interview-questions-you-should-ask/2/#4e09b9c1727c

Photos

1. based on Dunedin Internship Speed Dating 2012, by Samuel Mann, CC-by-2.0

2. based on Dunedin Internship Speed Dating 2012, by Samuel Mann, CC-by-2.0

3. based on Chase shares tips on online job searching, by Gangplank HQ, CC-by-2.0