Every interview is different. But every interview ends on the same note: The hiring manager asks if you have any questions. Some candidates dread this question because it’s a loaded one; ask the wrong thing and you look silly. Or, don’t ask a question and you look worse. Just when you think the stressful interview is over, you’re back in the spotlight.
But asking questions during the interview is really your way to make sure this job is right for you. Today, there are lots of jobs out there but you are looking for the right one. In this sense, that gives you more power—you’re interviewing them as much as they are you. So, you can make the most of the interview process by asking the right questions at the end. Here are some suggestions for good questions to make you look smart while still double-checking that you really do want this job.
Good Interview Questions
1. What do you like about working here?
Great question, right? Not only does it dig into what the culture and workload of the company are, but it also leaves the interviewer getting some attention. Everyone wants to tell their story. This question draws the interviewer in while giving you good information about what the job will really be like.
2. What do the company values mean to you and how have you seen them put into practice?
Company values require some interpretation in how they are applied. Pay attention to the answer to this question to determine if the organization is just paying lip service to the value or is really applying it to the work they do. Does the company follow through on the value or is it just a nice idea that never gets implemented?
3. What does success look like in this role?
This is another great question to help you figure out what the day-to-day job is really like. Does reaching the company’s vision of success seem attainable? Does success in this company seem like something that you’d enjoy striving for? Also, pay attention to whether the interviewer can even answer this question. It could mean that there is a lack of defined structure in this position. That’s a red flag that you might be set up to fail.
4. How do you advance the careers of your employees?
What you’re looking for here is a company committed to professional development. Almost everyone wants to move up the ladder to better pay and career advancement. What will the company do to help you get there? Is it well defined? Will the company pay you to take classes? How often are evaluations scheduled? Try to phrase your question and follow-ups in a way that shows you’re eager to learn and grow, not that you simply want more money.
Want to Be Best Prepared for Your Next Interview?
People Plus is here to help you succeed. We work with top employers to match them to qualified job candidates who are eager to get to work. The People Plus recruiting team can help prep you for the interview to give you a better shot of landing your dream job—and our service is free to job-seekers. Call on our team today. We can help.
