Job interviews are nerve wracking. No matter how many you’ve gone to, you’ll always be a little nervous right before one. While this is a totally valid feeling, be sure to remember that, at the end of the day, an interview is just a conversation between two people. While an interviewer will have many questions that they’ll ask you, it’s important to also ask them questions. Not only does asking them questions show that you are engaged and actually interested in the job, it also allows you a chance to learn more about the company and the role. Here’s a list of questions to help you figure out whether or not the company and the role is the right fit for you.
Questions about the Job
1. Can you describe a typical day in this type of role?
This question allows you to get a better understanding of the role, help you visualize what your future schedule would look like, and will help you determine whether or not this job is a good fit for you.
2. What does success look like for this position?
This question allows you to identify what it takes to exceed expectations to fast track your career at the company. If you identify any gaps, be sure to note it down so you can focus on improving those areas.
3. Does this position entail working with a broader team? If so, who does it consist of?
This will allow you to understand how collaborative the role is, as well the key people who you need to build a relationship with in order to be successful in the role.
4. What are the top 3 qualities you look for in an ideal candidate for this position?
This question will allow you to see what type of characteristics the hiring manager or interview panel is looking for in this role. Be sure to highlight those qualities while interviewing to show that you are aligned.
5. What are some challenges that someone in this position may face?
This question will help you determine a more well rounded depiction of the role by allowing you to understand both the struggles and rewards of the role.
6. What is the most important thing that I could do within the first 90 days on the job?
This question showcases that you are engaged and ready to start contributing to the company.
7. What are typical career paths for someone in this role?
This shows your interest in growing at the company, as well as what your future options are for your career growth.
8. Is this a new position? If not, why did the previous person before me leave this role?
This question will show that you are analytical and will allow you to learn why the previous person was unhappy in the role. If the person left due to getting promoted, it shows that this position has growth capabilities.
Questions about the Company
1. How would you describe the work environment and corporate culture?
This question will help you see if the company’s culture aligns with your values. Be sure to ask multiple people throughout the interview process this question to get multiple perspectives.
2. What are some of the company’s short and long term goals?
This question will allow you to understand what the company’s priorities are and allows you to see if their values align with yours.
3. How long do employees typically stay with the company?
This question will help you understand if the company is good at retaining employees. Companies where employees don’t stay long may be due reasons such as poor work life balance, not enough career growth opportunities, etc.
4. What type of work life balance do employees typically have?
This question will help you understand what type of schedule you’ll have. Depending on what stage of life you are in, you may be okay with sacrificing personal time in order to grow in the company ranks. If you have a family, you might prioritize a company with a good work life balance to ensure you get to spend quality time with your kids and spouse.
5. Who is the company’s biggest competitor and why?
This question provides you an understanding of the company as well as the industry they are in. You should do your research in terms of who the competitor is and ask this question accordingly.
Questions about Growth
1. How will my performance be measured?
This will allow you to understand the key areas of professional development the company looks at and provides you a better understanding of how you can succeed at the job.
2. What is the performance review process like here and how often would I be formally reviewed?
This question will allow you to get a better understanding of how you will be reviewed in the future as well as the frequency so you can be prepared to hit the key performance metrics.
3. What career development opportunities do you offer for your employees?
This question lets you see if there is personal growth potential for you at the company. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement programs which will allow you to get a degree without paying out of pocket as long as you pass the classes.
4. What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development?
This question lets you see how important personal development is to the company. Companies that do not work toward providing learning and development initiatives shows that they may not care about their employees and their future growth.
Questions about the Future
1. Is there anything in my background that concerns you regarding my ability to perform well in this role?
This question will help you identify if you’re a strong candidate for the role and if you aren’t, will help you identify places you can improve.
2. What are the next steps of the interview process?
This question will allow you know how long it will take before you hear back as well as any other steps that may be required upon the completion of the interview. Ask this question to the recruiter and not the interviewees because they’re not always the ones in charge of the next steps.
3. Is there any additional information that I can provide you with that would be helpful?
This question provides you the opportunity to answer any pending questions the interviewer has.
References
Originally published at http://femaleframework.com on November 3, 2020.
