By: Aerotek
Asking questions during a job interview may seem counterintuitive, but it’s important, and if you ask the right questions it can make a difference in the interviewer’s decision. Remember, you’re interviewing them too.
You might be with this company or position for several months or even years — you need to know if it’s a good fit for you too. In this article, we’ll detail why it’s not only important to ask questions during an interview, but also why it’s to your advantage to do so. We’ll also help you come up with your questions to ask in an interview and provide some examples of interview questions.
Should You Ask Questions During an Interview?
Besides fulfilling expectations and coming off as prepared, you’ll also have a chance to learn about the position or company if you ask questions during the interview. Remember, this is your chance to see if the company is a fit for you since you will be the one working there. Leaving the interviewer with a great impression is one thing, but ensuring the job is good for you is equally important. Additionally, the questions you ask can reveal your true motivations and what is driving you to apply for the position.
Why is it Important to Ask Questions During an Interview?
Interviewers will expect you to have a few of your own questions to ask in an interview. That’s because asking questions about the position, company or job shows that you’ve done your homework and are knowledgeable about them. Asking questions also shows the interviewer you’ve actively listened and engaged during the interview.
What Are the Types of Questions I Should Ask During an Interview?
There are all sorts of questions you can ask during an interview, so let’s start by narrowing down the different types. In general, make sure they’re open-ended questions — ones that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. We also recommend browsing the company’s website or job description for material to ask about. Anything to show that you’ve taken some initiative, have done your homework, and have a genuine interest in joining their team.
Here are some generally good topics and types of questions to ask during an interview:
Job/workplace culture
Benefits
Opportunities for growth
Company mission
What makes a good employee
Employee turnover/retention
Style of management
How Many Questions Should You Ask in an Interview?
This question depends on a few factors. First, is the time. If the interview seemed on the shorter side, you can be a bit more generous with your questions. If several people are waiting to interview, or it’s timed, or your interviewer seems rushed, less is more. The important thing is that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to questions to ask in an interview. One good, thoughtful interview question is worth three quicker and simpler ones.
Examples of Interview Questions That Leave a Great Impression
1. “What makes employees proud about working here?”
You can amend this to ask about projects or teams, but the gist of the question is you’re trying to learn more about the workplace culture and the company’s work history. It’s a fair question to ask in an interview, and a good interviewer should have an answer to it. If they don’t, that might not be a good sign about the employee culture.
2. “What are the characteristics of a great employee for the position?”
This is always a good choice. It demonstrates interest in improvement and growth, and that you want to fit the job. Interviewers should happily answer this one and give you a better idea of expectations for the role.
3. “I read _____ about your company. Could you tell me a little more about this?”
Fill in the blank with how the company responded to an industry trend, its mission statement, an award, or recognition. The point is that you did your homework and read up on the company. The interviewer may be impressed, and happily answer the question.
4. “Are there opportunities for professional development or career advancement?”
This is a question more for your sake. You’re trying to understand future opportunities for growth at the job. If the interviewer doesn’t have a good answer here, it might be that the job isn’t a great fit.
5. “How will my performance be evaluated?”
This is another question for your sake. You’ll learn more about how employees receive feedback, and it’ll set the stage for follow-up questions about management if you’d like to ask.
6. “Was there anything in my application/resume that helped you select me for an interview?”
This should neither be the first nor the last question you ask, but it can provide helpful feedback, especially if you’re attending multiple interviews. It’ll help identify your relevant strengths and understand what attracted interviewers in the first place.
7. “What’s a challenge the company is currently facing?”
This last question to ask in an interview gives you a good idea about the company’s goals, culture, and integrity. It also conveys interest in the company. Asking questions during a job interview is how you make sure the job is right for you. Interviewers are often expecting you to have some curiosity about the job opening and the company. With some preparation, you can come to the interview prepared with questions to ask in an interview that will leave a great impression.
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