Questions to ask an interviewer
An interview is a two-way process. The company/interviewer is trying to see if you’re the right candidate for their job, but at the same time you should be trying to discover whether this is the role or company for you. You will be given an opportunity to ask some questions, normally at the end of the interview.
Why you should think of some questions
Saying no doesn’t leave a great impression, as it makes you seem uninterested and could create a bit of an awkward scene. You should think of a few questions, and remember that some of them might be answered for you during your interview, so it’s better to think of a handful so that you definitely have some to choose from at the end.
Refrain from asking certain questions
Namely about salary, benefits, perks, holidays etc. You will normally have an idea of things like the salary range anyway, but these are the things that you can discuss at a later date if you get offered the job.
What do you enjoy about working here?
This is a great question as it turns the tables a little, suddenly you’re interviewing them and they have a chance to sell the company to you! It also shows that as much as they are deciding whether to choose you, you are also deciding whether to choose them!
What could I do to prepare if I’m offered?
This shows you would be willing to take extra time to make sure you’re as good at the job as possible and that you’re eager to learn and prepare before you’ve actually started.
Is this an existing position or is it newly-created?
Here you can determine the reason for the job opening. Are you going to be replacing someone and have you got big shoes to fill? If it’s an existing role then there could be certain ways that people expect you to carry out the job. However, if it’s a newly-created role then you could have more scope to develop the role and make it your own.
Are there opportunities for personal development or promotion?
Not every role has opportunities for you to develop or progress up the ladder. Sometime people find themselves stuck with no way to get promoted. If you’re looking for a role where you can grow your career, you probably want somewhere that can offer you the opportunities you’re looking for.
What are the company’s future plans?
This is another great question and shows more interest in the company. They may have already asked you about where you want to be in 5 years’ time for example, so this spins that on its head. They may have great plans for the future which you want to be involved in. Although, you might get the impression that they’re struggling and that they might not be around in six-months’ time, potentially leaving you out of a job.
When can I expect you hear back from you?
A perfect way to end an interview. They may already tell you, but if not then it shows your interest in the role and that you’re keen on it. It also gives you a time frame of when to expect to hear back from them. There’s no point sitting by the telephone if they’re going to wait a week before they get back to you. You also know if you should start chasing if the deadline has passed.
