Questions you should ask in an interview
Asking the right questions at an interview can be the difference in being successful or not, writes Barry Whelan
Print13 October 2010
Often candidates going for an interview find it difficult to ask questions of the employer – they agonize over a question to ask and either don’t ask one or ask something irrelevant. In today’s job market it is crucial when at interview to engage with the prospective employer and the only way to do that is to ask questions during the job interview.
At most interviews, you will be invited to ask questions of your interviewer. This is an important opportunity for you to learn more about the employer, and for the interviewer to further evaluate you as a job candidate. It requires some advance preparation on your part.
Here are some guidelines for asking questions:
Prepare five good questions
Understand that you may not have time to ask them all. Ask questions concerning the job, the company, and the industry or profession.
Your questions should indicate your interest in these subjects and that you have read and thought about them. For example, you might start, “I read in Shelflife that … I wonder if that factor is going to have an impact on your business.”
Don’t ask questions that raise warning flags
For example, asking “Would I really have to work weekends?” implies that you are not available for weekend assignments. If you are available, rephrase your question. Also, avoid initiating questions about compensation (pay, vacations, etc.) or education reimbursements. You might seem more interested in cash or time-off than the actual job.
Don’t ask questions about only one topic
People who ask about only one topic are often perceived as one dimensional. Clarify. It’s okay to ask a question to clarify something the interviewer said. Just make sure you are listening. Asking someone to clarify a specific point makes sense. Asking someone to re-explain an entire subject gives the impression that you have problems listening or comprehending. For example, you can preface a clarifying question by saying: “You mentioned that ABC Company does … . Can you tell me how that works in practice?”
Questions to ask during a job interview
A job interview is an opportunity for you to learn more about a potential employer. Indeed, what you learn from an interview may determine whether or not you want the job you’re interviewing for. The following are examples of the types of questions you might ask at your job interview:
:: Can you please tell me how your career has developed at the company? Would someone entering the company today have similar opportunities?
:: If I work hard and prove my value to the firm, where might I be in five years?
:: I read in your literature that your training program is comprised of three six-month rotations. Does the employee have any input into where he will go at the end of each rotation? How do you evaluate the employee’s performance during the training period?”
:: I read in Shelflife that a major competitor of yours is increasing its market share in your main market. What plans does your firm have to regain its lost market share?
:: Can you describe for me what a work week is really like as a salesperson?
:: How many individuals complete your training program each year?
:: When does the training program begin?
:: What is the length and structure of the training programme?
:: Do most trainees advance fairly rapidly through the programme?
:: What career paths have others generally followed after completing the programme?
:: How does the position and the department contribute to the overall company mission and philosophy?
:: What characteristics best describe individuals who are successful in this position?
:: Does the position offer exposure to other facets of your organization?
:: What other positions and/or departments will I interact with most?
:: To whom does this position report?
:: How much decision-making authority and autonomy are given to new employees?
:: How will my performance be evaluated?
:: How often are performance reviews given? By whom?
:: What are the opportunities for advancement?
:: Does your organisation encourage its employees to pursue additional education?
:: How would you describe the organisation’s culture/environment?
:: What makes your organisation different from its competitors?
:: What industry-wide trends are likely to affect your organisation’s strengths and weaknesses?
:: How would you describe you organisation’s personality and management style?
:: How is the work environment affected by the organisation’s management style?
Asking questions shows an interest and engages the interviewer. It is an important part of the interview process.
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