“So, What Questions Do You Have For Me?” Here Are the Questions You Should Ask in Your Next Job Interview
“So, What Questions Do You Have For Me?” Here Are the Questions You Should Ask in Your Next Job Interview
-The questions you ask are as important as the questions you answer
-Don’t ask questions that can be answered by a quick Google search
-Ask questions about your interviewer’s experience at the company
-Bring a notebook so you can write down questions beforehand and have them ready to go
When preparing for an interview, it’s common to try to anticipate the questions your interviewer will ask. You wrack your brain, thinking about the best ways to respond to abstract questions about your character and problem-solving skills in order to package yourself as the perfect candidate for that particular position.
In working so hard to develop ready-made answers to potential questions, it’s easy to forget that at the end of the interview you’ll inevitably be asked if you have any questions for your interviewer.
Why Ask Questions When They’re Interviewing Me?
Good question! Asking questions to your interviewer:
- Gives you the chance to show you’ve done your research on the company/position
- Allows the interviewer to talk about themselves/their experience, which helps you build a personal connection
- Makes you stand out to your interviewer by showing that you’re curious, engaged, and interested in the job
- Makes the interview feel easier and more like a conversation
So it’s not an opportunity you want to miss!
Company and Team-Based Questions
It’s essential to remember that an interview isn’t just about letting your interviewer get to know you: it’s your opportunity to gain additional insight about the position you may be working in for the foreseeable future. Oftentimes you’ll be joining a specific team, not just a company, so if this is the case it’s important to ask questions about the team as well.
Some questions to consider asking:
- How would you describe the company culture?
- What makes someone a successful long-term member of this team?
- How does management motivate and train employees?
- How do you see this company/team growing over the next 1-2 years?
Personal Questions
In order to show that you’re thoughtful and you care about the position, it’s good to take a look at the company’s online resources well before the interview; you don’t want to ask questions that could be answered by the website or a quick Google search.
Focus on questions that only your interviewer can answer. Specifically, you can ask questions about your interviewer’s experience at the company. They will likely enjoy the opportunity to talk about themselves and to share any knowledge they’ve accumulated while working there. Importantly, this allows the conversation to become more personal, and therefore memorable, while providing you with a valuable perspective on what it’s like to work at that company.
Some questions to consider asking:
- How did you get to where you are today?
- What is your favorite thing about working here?
- What’s the most challenging aspect of working here?
- What advice would you give to someone just starting out at the company?
The Bottom Line
Asking questions in your interview will help you build a connection with your interviewer while providing you with valuable insight into the company and position. Remember, your interviewer has been right where you’re sitting, interviewing for the same company, potentially even the same position — they are a resource you cannot afford to overlook. Ask questions, remain engaged, and your next interview will be stronger than ever!
At Percy, it’s our mission to give you the best opportunity to land the full-time, permanent position you’re looking for. Check out our website to learn more about what we do and to see if we’re recruiting in your area!
