Happy Holidays, Street Squad. Before we wrap up this year’s journey from street to suit, we must address a critical topic in preparation for next year. Shall we?
An interview is an important part of getting the job. It is the employer’s opportunity to scrutinize an applicant. It enables the employer to determine if an applicant’s skills, experience, and personality meet the job’s requirements.
However, most applicants don’t realize that an interview is a two-way street. It is an opportunity to find out whether you feel the role and the company are right for you. Don’t you want to know what their policies are like? Their salary structure? Their benefits? Oh, you do? Why then aren’t you also asking questions in your interview?
Asking questions in your interview also gives you the chance to impress by displaying your knowledge about the organization and asking intelligent questions. It also makes you look interested, enthusiastic and engaged.
Usually, when the interviewer Is done asking you questions, he/she would ask “Do you have any questions?”. THAT is your opportunity to ask intelligent and engaging questions. DO NOT SAY NO.
There are various questions that an applicant can/should ask his/her interviewer.
Let’s explore a few of them, shall we?
- “What are the employee KPIs?” – This shows that you are interested in the company’s growth and value. KPIs is an acronym for Key Performance Indicators. KPIs are a quantifiable measure used to evaluate a company’s/employee’s overall performance.
- “What are the opportunities for employee growth and progression?” – Asking this question demonstrates that you care about personal growth and are career-oriented. It also helps you assess the company’s disposition towards employee progression. You don’t want to be stuck at a job that doesn’t care about your growth.
- “Where would the company be headed in five years?” – This question mirrors that of the interviewer. A common interview question is “Where do you see yourself in five years?”. The interviewer must have asked you that but it is also important that you find out where the company is headed. It helps you juxtapose the company’s goals with yours. Are your goals aligned with the company’s? This question also projects your interest in the company’s growth.
- “What’s the Working Culture?” – This is perhaps the most important question. You need to know the working culture of the organization you want to be a part of. Trust me! A company’s work culture is one of the key drivers of its success. A good company culture results in more engaged, productive, and loyal employees. Imagine doing laundry for the CEO being a part of a company’s work culture. From the interviewer’s response, you should be able to deduce the company’s attitude toward employee’s mental health, productivity, happiness, etc.
- “What do you love/hate about your job?” – Be warned that you might not like what you hear. What the interviewer loves about his/her job might be what you completely hate. However, it is better to know.
- “Why is the position I applied for Open?” – This might seem like a silly question because how else would you be getting interviewed if the position wasn’t open? However, the answer will tell you whether the previous person was promoted, made a lateral move within the company, was fired, or quit.
- When was the last time someone in this position was promoted? – This question can be a follow-up question to No. 6. The response can provide valuable insights into career advancement, including the desired traits, skills, and accomplishments for progress within the organization.
- Personal/professional Questions – You can ask the interviewer a few personal and engaging questions. Questions such as:
- When did you start working with this company/organization?
- How long have you been working here?
- What do you like best about working here?
- Have you worked elsewhere before?
Remember to keep the questions curious not creepy. Remain Professional!
Best Of Luck!
Receive the latest job and career updates in your inbox, every week!
