Imagine this: You have a half-day office interview with a company. Let’s say you met with five people throughout the morning, and at the end of meeting with each person, they all ask the same question, “What questions do you have for me?”. By the 3rd person, you’ve exhausted all of the questions you prepared. The only thing you’re left with is to repeatedly ask, “What’s your favorite part about working at this company?
Come Prepared with Better Questions
Ending this way can be rough. It’s always best to ask multiple questions, but sometimes our brains will not cooperate. We are left mumbling, racking our brain, hoping a question will magically pop in our heads. In 2017, Glassdoor surveyed 750 hiring managers and asked what skills they look for in a candidate. Of this group, 88% answered that they look for an informed candidate- someone who ‘asks pertinent questions’. Let’s remedy this situation. Below are some of the best questions to ask in an interview so that you’ll never be left without a question.
- How has this position evolved since it was created? – This will let you know if the position has been growing or is a dead end for generations of employees.
- What does success look like in this position?
- What is the top priority for the person in this position over the next three months? – This question is all about expectations. What will your expectations be in the first few months? Make sure the answer fits what you’re looking to do.
- What are some challenges people in this role have faced?
- What does an average day look like for someone in this position?
- What is the typical career trajectory for a person in this position?
- Does the company offer continued education and professional training?
- What is your ideal communication style with your staff? Do you meet regularly with your team, rely heavily on email, etc.?
- How would you describe the company’s values?
- How has the company changed over the last few years, and are there any expected changes coming in the near future?
Put these questions in your back pocket for your next interview. Remember, you’re interviewing the company as well, so ask away. Make sure you understand what the company’s expectations are and what the career path will be. It’s okay to ask the same question to multiple interviewers. If you see consistency in their answers, they are probably telling you the truth. Asking these questions shows that you did your homework and are confident enough to ask. When the interviewer leaves, trust me, they will be left with a good feeling.
