Just as a "job interview" is a two-way street, you should also interview the hiring manager, the department, and even your future boss. This can give you valuable insight into the value of the job, the company culture, and the potential for career growth. Not only that, but it can help you clarify all the points in your application so there are no surprises when you get there.
Just make a note of anything you do not know, or anything you are particularly concerned about, and ask! Use this list to make sure you have covered all the important points.
Good questions to ask in an interview
Questions about the job
Make sure you have a clear idea of your current and future daily responsibilities.
1. Is this a newly created role?
2. What skills are missing from the team you are looking to fill with a new hire?
3. What does a typical day look like?
4. Can you show me examples of projects I would work on?
5. What are the most pressing projects that need to be worked on?
6. What skills and experience are you looking for in the ideal candidate?
7. What qualities should a person bring to the table to be truly successful in this position?
8. What are the biggest challenges a person in this position should face?
9. Do you expect the core responsibilities of this position to change in the next six months?
10. What kind of budget should I be working with?
Questions to Ask About Your Performance
Understanding how your potential new supervisor will measure your success is critical to understanding both a company's priorities and their leadership style.
11. What are the most important things you want your new hire to accomplish in their first months on the job?
12. What are the expectations for this position in the first year?
13. How often will I be subject to an official review?
14. What does the performance review process look like here?
15. What goals will my performance be measured against?
Questions to Ask About Training and Professional Development
Think of each new position not just as a job, but as the next step on your path to career success. Will this position help you achieve that goal?
16. What training programs are available to your employees?
17. Are there opportunities for career advancement?
18. Where have successful employees previously advanced in this position?
19. Where is the last person to hold this position going?
Questions to Ask About the Company
Why not find out a little bit about where you might work. Because work is more than just your daily to-do list.
20. I have read about the company's inception, but could you tell me more about...?
21. Where do you see this company going in the next few years?
22. What can you tell me about the growth plans?
23. What are the company's current goals and how is the team working to achieve them?
Questions to Ask About the Team
The people you work with day in and day out can make or break your work life. Ask a few questions to find out if this team is right for you.
24. Can you tell me about the team I'll be working with?
25. Who will I be working most closely with?
26. Who will I be reporting directly to?
27. What are the team's strengths and biggest challenges?
28. What are the general career paths in this department?
29. Do you plan to hire more people in this department in the near future?
Questions to Ask About the Culture
Learn subtle but very important aspects of the company culture.
30. What is the company and team culture like?
31. How would you describe the work environment here: Is the work typically collaborative or more independent?
32. Is there an official corporate values statement?
33. What is your favourite office tradition?
34. How has the company changed since you have been here?
35. Do you sometimes host joint events with other departments?
Questions to Ask About the Interviewer
By asking the interviewer questions, you show that you are interested in them as a person, and this is a great way to build rapport.
36. How long have you been with the company?
37. Why did you come to this company?
38. What do you like most about working here?
39. Has your role changed since you have been here?
Questions to Ask About Next Steps
Before you leave, make sure the interviewer has all the information you need and that you are clear about next steps with these questions.
40. What is the next step in the interview process?
41. Does my background match the job?
42. Is there anything else I can offer that might be helpful to you?
Are you looking to set up your next job interview?
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