Questions You Should Ask in a Job Interview

So you have finally reached the end of the interview. You have handed in your resume and references. You have answered all the questions to the best of your ability. Your potential future employer finishes by asking, “So, do you have any questions about working for this company?”

What should you do now?

For starters, don’t let this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on a potential employer pass you by. Choosing not to ask any questions can cost you the benefit of learning more about the company and the opportunity to stand apart from other applicants. In a hyperactive and competitive market where there can be hundreds of qualified applicants for one single position, you need to do everything in your power to stand out.

Keep in mind that an interview is a two-way street. It allows for a potential employer to get to know you and for you to learn more about the organization for which you wish to work. Asking the right questions can set you apart. Don’t ask mundane and aimless questions; make them deliberate and thoughtful.

In order to make the most of your interview, conduct pre-interview research into the company and position for which you are applying, Make notes in order to ask questions that are focused, open-ended, and beneficial to your job search success. Ask questions that demonstrate your confidence and knowledge of the company, highlight your qualifications and commitment, and that advance your candidacy.

Examples of Good Interview Questions:

Questions about your potential employer:

• What does this company value most, and how exactly can my work exemplify your values?
• What are the most and least desirable aspects of the company’s culture?
• How can I successfully collaborate with colleagues and managers?
• What are the biggest opportunities available for the company right now?
• What are the biggest challenges to the company right now?
• How would you describe your management style?
• How does the company support ongoing training, education, and growth opportunities for its employees?
• What do you like best about working here?

Questions about your potential role:

• How has this position evolved since it was created?
• What have past employees done to succeed and flourish in this role?
• What are the qualities of successful employees and managers in this company?
• What are some challenges I will face in this position?
• How will the success of the person in this position be measured?
• What has been the turnover rate of this position?

Questions about job expectations:

• What are more details about the day to day responsibilities of this position?
• What is the most important thing I can accomplish in the first three months of working?

Questions about your interview process:

• Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?
• Is there anything I can provide you with that would be helpful?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?

Use these examples to help formulate and personalize your own questions to ask in an interview. Asking the right questions and how you interpret the answers can take you the distance in an interview. For more interview and job-seeking tips, visit the Greater St. Cloud Jobspot Resources page.