Questions to Ask at an Interview
When preparing for an interview, it is normal to be focused on preparing for the questions you might be asked, but the questions you ask at an interview are also important. Think of questions to ask at an interview in three categories based on their purposes: 1) to get clarity about the opportunity, 2) to get clarity about the process and 3) to show your interest in the company and position.
While asking questions at an interview is a good strategy, be careful not to waste the interviewer’s time answering questions for which you can easily get answers elsewhere. Before planning what to ask, carefully read through the job advertisement, anything you have been given by the company prior to the interview, and the company website.
Likewise, you don’t want to go in with such a large number of questions to ask at an interview that you take up too much of the interview time. Not only can this be annoying to the interviewer, it can inhibit your ability to demonstrate your qualifications for the job. The sample questions to ask at an interview listed below are meant to provide ideas. Choose a couple from each category along with any you think of on your own and be prepared to ask those that seem appropriate as the opportunity arises in the interview.
Getting clarity about the position
The more you know about the position and what the hiring manager is looking for in terms of requirements, soft skills and cultural fit, the better you can focus on those qualifications you possess that match their needs. It is possible you can even ask some of these questions before the interview, especially if the hiring manager is the one who calls to prescreen or invite you to interview. Questions to ask at an interview that fit into this category include:
· What are the most important responsibilities of the position?
· What do you see as characteristics of the ideal candidate?
· What challenges are you (or the department) facing? (The idea being that you will be able to help surmount them)
· What are the most critical things you would like to see your new hire accomplish in the next six months (year / two years)?
· What does success look like for this department? For this position?
· How is one evaluated in this position?
· Why is the position open?
· What is the typical work day like?
· How much travel / overtime anticipated?
· Is there anything else you think I should know about the position?
Showing your interest
The next questions to ask at an interview are meant to show that you have interest and capability beyond the specific job for which you are interviewing. This hints that you could make greater contributions over the longer term and in other positions whether through promotions or lateral moves. They are more strategic questions, showing your interest in the company as a whole as well as your own possible role in it. Before deciding what questions to ask, find out whatever you can about the company by looking at its website and searching for news stories about it.
· What are some of the company’s most important / successful products?
· Are there recent or anticipated changes in strategic direction in the company / division / department?
· I saw in the news that the company….. (then ask a clarifying question)
· I see that your website says that the company…. (then ask a clarifying question)
· I noticed a sign in the hallway that said… (then ask a clarifying question)
· What are some of the challenges the company is facing? How do you see them impacting this department?
· How would you describe the company culture?
· How would you describe the leadership style here?
· Which groups does your department interact with most frequently?
· Who are your most important internal / external customers?
Getting clarity about the process
The last category of questions to ask at an interview will help you know how and when to follow up after the interview, an essential part of an effective job search. These questions are meant to enable you to first send a thank you note to each person with whom you interviewed and then to call the hiring manager at an appropriate time to check on the status of your candidacy, remind him/her of who you are and some of your strongest qualifications for the job. They include:
· Have I answered all your questions?
· Are there other candidates for this position?
· What are the next steps in the hiring process?
· When should I expect to hear from you?
· When do you expect to make a decision?
· May I have your business card (or contact information)?
· How do you see me as a candidate? (A risky question but could yield some interesting results!)
Taking time to develop a few questions to ask at an interview can help set you apart as a proactive, interested candidate as well as enabling you to gain valuable information.