Congratulations, you made it to the interview stage!
You received the mail and it’s time to prepare: choosing the right outfit that screams “Hire me!”, and ensuring you arrive early to calm your nerves- you must maintain composure, and impress your interviewer with your responses. But wait, how about your questions for the interviewer? It’s important to have a thoughtful response plan in place. You don’t want to be caught off guard when the question pops, “Do you have any questions for me?”
You may be wondering “Why should I ask questions in an interview?” and saying “no” is not an option here. Perhaps you were the introverted student who preferred to observe and listen, you stayed silent while your classmates bombarded the teacher with questions and the teacher was cool.
However, in an interview, it’s just you and your interviewer. It’s essential to take the opportunity to ask questions to show your interest and engagement in the conversation. It allows you to move beyond mere nodding and show that you’re genuinely engaged. It saves you from looking like a robot. And now, what question should you ask?
Questions you should ask in an interview
This part of the interview is your chance to assess the organization and see if you really want to work there, while also proving that you’re fit for the role.
Can you tell me more about your company values and how they’re put into practice?
Asking this question shows that you are invested in understanding the company’s culture and how it impacts both employees and customers in real-world scenarios.
It helps you assess whether their values align with your own and whether it’s a place you can thrive. It’s like saying “Hey, I want to know if you are a company that’s all work and no play.” It helps you figure out if you will be able to have a life outside of work or if you will be a corporate drone/ robot.
Who wouldn’t like to get hired by a company that offers employees vacation to tropical islands, paid time off to binge-watch Netflix, and a team that’s one big happy family?
How do you evaluate and define success in this position?
Demonstrating your focus on success is best shown by asking about the path to achievement in the role before even being hired. This question not only showcases your professional drive but also provides valuable insight into the expectations and goals of the position.
If the interviewer struggles to answer this question, consider it a red flag, it indicates a potential lack of clear goals, structure, and direction within the organization. And you know what to do with a red flag!
What opportunities are available to thrive in this role?
Showing interest in learning and growth demonstrates to the interviewer that you are a forward-thinking candidate committed to advancing your skills and building a long-term career with the company.
You’ve been armed with a growth mindset. To avoid career stagnation, it’s essential to understand the potential for growth and advancement in this role. Asking about the typical career path will help you determine if the job offers a promising future with the company or if you will need to explore other opportunities to reach your career goals.
Candidates with a growth mindset and a hunger for learning will always have a competitive advantage over those who think they have gotten to their peak.
What are the challenges that come with this role?
Asking this question will provide you with a better understanding of the role’s demands and what to expect if you’re selected for the position.
It’s like checking the weather forecast before moving to a new city – you want to be prepared for any storms! Avoiding the ‘Oh no, what have I gotten myself into?’ moment.
What’s the structure of the team/department?
This question will help you understand how your role fits into the organization’s structure and what’s expected of you. You will also learn about who you’d be answering to and if you will have colleagues in similar roles. It’s like getting a VIP pass to the team’s inner circle.
What’s the growth potential like for someone in this role?
A subtle way to inquire if there is room for growth- to know if there is a chance to move up the corporate ladder– from fetching coffee to a CEO.
By asking this question, you will be able to sniff out whether the role is a career-building opportunity or a career dead end. By inquiring about growth potential, you’re showing that you are eager to make a meaningful impact and grow with the company- and that’s a plus!
while it’s okay to ask your interviewer to clarify certain points, refrain from asking questions that have previously been addressed. You don’t want them to think that you haven’t been paying attention. Ask your questions flexibly, don’t want to sound like you’re reading from a book.
Avoid asking questions that focus too much on what the organization can do for you. Save questions about salary and holiday allowance for when you’ve got a job offer. Also, steer clear of questions that require a yes or no answer, as you’re likely to find the information on the company’s website.
This interaction not only showcases your curiosity but also helps you gather valuable insights about the company and the role you’re interviewing for. It’s an opportunity to clarify any doubts you may have and further demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
The questions you ask in an interview can do wonders- they can reveal more details about the role, impress the interviewer, and boost your chances of landing the job.
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Mariam is an imaginative and meticulous writer who is passionate about crafting compelling narratives and translating concepts into influential content.
