If you plan on showing up to a job interview and robotically answering each question, you’re not doing enough. A job interview is also a critical time for you to assess your fit at the company–and you should do this by coming prepared with questions for your interviewer.
Does your mind go blank when an employer asks, “What questions do you have for me?” Here are some great things to ask during your job interview:
1. Questions to Determine Company Culture Fit
“When it comes to the interview, the question segment can really be a job seeker’s time to shine. This is the moment to show how much you truly know about the company. Whether the interview is in-person or through online video, job seekers should seek to determine if the company culture will be a good fit for their work style and personality. Remember, you should enjoy your job, which means fitting into the company culture as well as being able to perform job functions.” -Josh Tolan, Spark Hire
2. Use Interview Questions to Showcase Interest
“Job seekers should ask the interviewer questions that showcase their interest in the position and company as a whole. In an interview, consider asking your interviewer to describe the company culture, inquire about their personal experiences at the company, ask about your direct supervision, and if possible, try to get your eyes on a few work examples from someone in the position you’re applying for.” -Nathan Parcells, InternMatch
3. Where Are They Now?
“My favorite question to ask any employer has always been to ask where the person was who had this job prior. Very quickly, this answer will tell you if this is a company that advances its people (person was promoted) or if there is an issue with expectations or internal differences. Either way, it opens the door for further discussion.” -Lynn Dixon, Hourly.com
4. Ask About Strengths in the Current Team
“What are the strengths/personality types of the current team members? This rarely asked question will allow you to better understand the current team dynamics of your potential colleagues, as well as give you the opportunity to elaborate on how you can complement these strengths. For example, if one of the team members is known for seeing the big picture, you can complement this with your attention to detail.” -Melanie Harris, OneWire
5. Inquire About the History of the Position
“Job seekers should always ask the employer questions in a job interview. First, it’s important to understand the history of the position. Asking about the accomplishments of the previous employee can also provide you with some insight. Inquiring about growth can help you to see your future in the company. Lastly, ask the interviewer about their professional background. These questions show you’re interested in the role, as well as the company.” -Alan Carniol, Interview Success Formula
6. Determine What the Hiring Manager Wants You to Accomplish
“If you are really interested in the position, and you want the job, then be sure and ask ‘What is it you want me to get accomplished in the first six months/first year in the position?’ That will get their attention very quickly.” -Richard S. Deems, co-author of Make Job Loss Work For You
7. What Did You Do Yesterday?
“Before any interview, research the company well. This will help you develop well-crafted, probing questions. If you have an opportunity to interview with a peer or the hiring manager, asking ‘What did you do yesterday?’ will tell you more about that person, the job and the company culture than you will get from that person describing the job to you.” -Kristine Faxon, executive director for career and alumni success, Savannah College of Art and Design
What do you think? What other questions should job seekers ask in an interview?
This post was originally published at A Hire Calling.
Image: TalentEgg.ca Hatching Graduate Careers
