Questions to ask in a job interview

Questions to ask in a job interview

Job interviews often feel like interrogation, they’re meant to be a conversation between you and a potential employer so don’t waste the opportunity to ask questions of your own!

Your interview is going well and you’ve answered all the interviewer’s questions confidently and related your responses back to the job description – so far so good. As the interview comes to an end, one of the final questions will be, ‘Do you have any questions for me?’ If you want to be in with a chance of securing the job, always answer yes.

Preparing a list questions to ask at the end of your interview makes you look interested, enthusiastic and engaged – all the qualities an employer will be looking for! This also gives you the opportunity to further highlight your relevant qualities and experience. Not asking any questions will show lack of interest in the role.

Everything you want or need to know about the job may have been covered over the course of the interview, but there is always more information available! You should always prepare at least five questions to ask the interviewer.

Questions you could ask about the role:

  • Why has this position become available?
  • Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job? …
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?
  • What are the measures used to judge how successful I am in the role?
  • What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives?
  • What can I expect from you in terms of development and support?
  • What aspirations do you have for me at the company?
  • Where will the job fit into the team structure?

Questions to ask about the company’s culture:

  • What do you like best about working for this company?
  • What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
  • How do you build good relationships within teams?
  • What is the turnover of staff like throughout the company?
  • How do I compare with the other candidates you’ve interviewed for this role?
  • Are there any plans for expansion?
  • How would you describe the company culture and management style?

I would avoid asking questions about the pay or benefits at all costs, as this can give the wrong impression that you are more interested in what the company has to offer!