Questions to Ask on an Interview

”So, do you have any questions for me?”

YES, YES AND YES!  The number one reason why people aren’t asked back is because they didn’t ask any questions.  Not asking questions shows the interviewer that you are not interested in the company.

No matter how many people you’ve met, always ask questions.

If you have multiple interviews in one day, keep in mind the last people you meet, although not necessarily the hiring manager, probably exert the most influence on pending hires.  

Asking questions demonstrates that you are the right person for the role by communicating your:

·      interest in the role,

·      intelligence in understanding the role,

·      confidence that you can be successful on the role,

·      personality fit

·      assertiveness

Do you think I can do the job? OR Is there anything I have said that would indicate that I’m not the best person for the job?

The vast majority of candidates upon leaving an interview feel that it went well.  Yet rarely does one ask this question.  This offers instant feedback but it takes confidence.  If they love you they will say ‘yes.’  Then work simply as when you can start :) .  More likely they will hedge and offer some objectives.  If this happens, it gives you an opportunity to re-address.

“I can see why you might think that… however, if I can take you back to my time with…”

Or “I am willing and eager to put in the extra time to get caught up to speed?"

What criteria are you using to select a person for this role?
This allows you to be assertive and confident but also allows time to take notes about all the key items this particular manager will want answers for in about 3 minutes.  Be certain not to interrupt until they are finished with the list.  Tip:  Be prepared in advance by writing any known criteria on your pad   


Why did you come to XYZ Corp?  What are the best/worst parts of working here?
This is a personality question for both interviewer and applicant.  You are complimenting the interviewer too by showing an interest in them.    

Can you describe the work environment here?

So as I understand, the title is …, the duties are … within the … department. I would report directly to… Is that right…?

Followed by…

Can you tell me more about my day-to-day roles?
Listen to what may have been repeated to make sure you will cover or re-emphasize your capabilities in critical areas.


Can you tell me about a typical day?
Slightly different than above… used in combination it will give you an idea of the job needs and some insight into their corporate culture.  Also, it may indicate whether this is a proactive or reactive organization.


What major projects is your team currently working on?
Or for the confident candidate … what projects are WE currently working on?  Ideally you have done a similar project and can now discuss it more effectively.  

How soon are you looking to fill this position?
Have you ever left an interview and wondered when they would call you back? If you asked this question at each level, you probably wouldn’t wonder.


Is there a structured career path?
Keep in mind smaller companies won’t have the same corporate ladders as larger companies do.  If you ask this to a small company, you may leave the impression that you want a role that offers career progression and thereby eliminate you from consideration.


What challenges would I encounter in this role/department?
This question is another great indicator of expectations.  Is the manager describing something that would require a Herculean effort to succeed?  It is also useful to compare with other answers about the general work volume.  Is this a career you want to explore if the requirements sound like it will be 70 hour weeks?


Other managers/interviewers (perhaps HR) have indicated that work/life balance is an important benefit of working at XYZ.  How do you balance the tensions and time commitments of your role and still encourage your staff to have private lives?
Once again, another clue towards the manager and companies potential conflicting views of work/life.  Hopefully they agree, but if not, ask for clarification.


Do you see this job requiring extensive overtime or weekend work?
It’s direct. So don’t qualify it with “I mean, how long do you work during the close?” Just ask and get a straight answer.


What weaknesses do you see in your current department that you are looking to improve?
Their answer is probably your first challenge on the job, or simply perhaps the reason for the opening.


What is the reason for the opening?
If this is the fourth person in the same role over the last year, you may want to seriously consider passing on this role.

What is the most important thing I can do for you during my first 90 days here?
This question focuses on confidence, inquisitiveness and attention to detail. The answer accomplishes two goals – reasserts your interest in the role or leads to an objection for which you can counter with your closing or next comments.


Final Step
Follow-up!

Send a follow-up thank you for their time and consideration. E-mail is acceptable especially if you discovered in your interview that they are heavy email users. Keep it simple and sweet.

Learn more about the follow-up process and Thank You notes.