5 Smart Questions to Ask an Interviewer
Asking the right interview questions can help you stand out
in the job search and demonstrate to potential employers that you can be a key
player in the company's future.
Brief Overview of Interviewing
Job interviews are an important part of the hiring process.
Job seekers connect with recruiters, apply for open positions, and then may
receive an invitation to a job interview”an important step that can lead to a
job offer for a new hire. Interviews can take place in person at the workplace,
via video conference call, or over the phone, and they are just as important as
your job application.
Interviewees who dress for their appointment, understand the
company values and the specific job description, and prepare thoughtful job
interview questions can stand out in the hiring process, regardless of the interview
location. If there are multiple rounds of interviews, asking great questions
can lead to the next round, which can lead to an offer.
Importance of Asking Questions during an Interview
To demonstrate interest in the company and the job, it is
critical to ask good questions during the interview. Specific questions about
management styles, company culture, and the most significant challenges in the
workplace will reveal a spark. Inquisitive applicants are more likely to
persuade the interviewer to recommend them for the next job interview. Not
preparing questions for the discussion can raise a red flag with hiring
managers, leading them to believe the interviewee did not conduct sufficient
research on the company or take their career path seriously.
How to Prepare Questions to Ask During an Interview
Frequently, an interviewee will be given the opportunity to
ask questions at the end of the interview. Applicants should create a list of
questions ahead of time. To prepare questions, consider the following:
Along the way, ask questions. You are not required to save
your best questions for last. Don't, of course, interrupt the interviewer, but
speak up if there is a pause or if you have a thought. Your involvement,
enthusiasm, and interest will be appreciated by the hiring manager.
Understand what is important to you. A job interview is also
an opportunity to determine whether or not this work culture is a good fit for
you. Know how this potential job will stack up if you value teamwork or
professional development opportunities.
Examine the company's website and social media accounts. Get
a sense of the organization's mission statement, culture, and size to better
understand the nature of your potential workplace.
Recognize the job description. Enter the interview process
with a clear understanding of the job duties. To avoid asking repetitive
questions, become familiar with the information in the job description.
5 Questions to Ask the Interviewer
There are numerous intelligent questions you could ask your
interviewer. These common interview questions can help transform a one-sided
interview into a more engaging conversation:
1. Can you describe a typical workday? You could start by
saying, "I saw the work entails X. "How does this translate into
day-to-day responsibilities or operations?"
2. How would you characterize the corporate culture? To
determine if this office is a good fit for you, ask an insider about work-life
balance, camaraderie, and overall culture.
3. What were your previous jobs? This personality question
can help you break the ice, establish rapport, and get a sense of people's
career paths at the company.
4. What criteria will you use to assess my performance? This
question demonstrates your desire to learn how to be a valuable member of the team.
5. What skills does the team lack that you're looking for in
a new hire? When the interviewer responds, you can tell them about your skills
that are relevant to their needs.
