You breeze through a job interview, you answer the questions asked to the best of your ability, and you're fairly certain you've made a good impression. What could add that bit of extra interest to make sure the employer remembers you? Don't forget to ask job interview questions.
Many candidates don't ask job interview questions, but this can mean a missed opportunity to build on a good impression. Let's take a look at why candidate-proposed interview questions are essential to your job-seeking success.
We'll show you what can be accomplished when you ask a potential employer the right questions, as well as the top interview questions to ask and why.
Why Is It Good to Ask Job Interview Questions?
Just before the job interview ends, the interviewer will likely say something like, "Do you have any questions?" This, right here, is your time to shine. When an interviewer asks this question, the floor is yours, which means the previously one-sided encounter becomes more of a conversation between a prospective employer and you -- the potential candidate.
By proposing job interview questions in the right way, you are essentially stepping outside of the standard methodical interview process. The majority of candidates may state they don't have any questions. Or, some may even ask lackluster questions that don't necessarily make a good impression. When you accept the invitation and speak up with well-aimed, well-thought-out questions, you can automatically set yourself apart.
Additionally, an interview is a good time to get a feel for things that can be hard to gauge as an outsider that can be important to know if you plan to become an employee. For example, you can gain a better understanding of company culture, projected growth, and potential to advance your career by asking the right interview questions.
Objectives to Accomplish with Interview Questions
Asking job interview questions allows two primary objectives for a potential employee. One, this is your chance to further assess the company and determine if the job/company is a good fit. Two, remember, the interview is still in progress, which means asking questions is more face-time with the employer and more opportunity to make a good impression.
What Kind of Interview Questions Should You Ask?
When in an interview, there are two types of questions most people ask: tactical job-related questions and strategic company-related questions. The former can seem like good questions on the surface and are go-to queries for ill-armed job candidates. However, the latter is the most effective.
Tactical, job-related questions are things like, "How do I do this job?" or "How often will I be asked to work overtime?" These are good things to know, sure, but they don't necessarily paint a picture that you've done your research about the company, and you have sincere concerns (or excitement) about the bigger picture.
Strategic, company-related questions are best. These questions are built with strategy and the dual intent of learning about the company as a prospective employee and making a good impression.
Strategic questions may mean asking:
There is also a simple formula Ramped offers to help you build good questions while preparing for your interview: [Research you've done/what you know] + [a deeper-level question]. While not all questions have to follow this formula, they do indicate you have done your research on an organization.
Check out a few examples below of good questions using this exact formula:
Top Job Interview Questions and Why Ask Them
Take a look at a few of the top interview questions to ask.
1. What is it about the product/service that keeps customers/clients coming back?
This question gives you more insight into sales processes and organizational values, but it also shows your interest in what the company offers and how it takes care of customers. Do your research about the company's products and services, so you have an understanding of what's offered and why.
2. With this organization having so many employees, what does the company do to foster a good workplace community?
Before the interview, do your homework to find out the general size of the workforce. This information can be used to preface this question. The answer will give you a glance inside how the company fosters a comfortable company culture.
3. Since the company has been around for [x] years, what has changed most in that timeframe?
Asking about changes the company has made or growth it has sustained shows your interest in its operation and goals. However, this can also offer you insight into how the corporation has changed or how drastically things have changed recently—something always good to know when considering a new position.
4. What is your opinion about the future of [industry], and how does the company fit into those ideas?
Again, here you are showing your general interest in the industry and how the company has a footprint in that industry. This can also give you an idea of the sustainability of the company you are considering joining.
5. What are the organization's plans for growth and development in the future?
Growth and development questions are easily prefaced with information you've learned through prior research. By posing such a question, you show your interest in aiding the company in achieving future goals, but you can also gain an understanding of how the company may change down the road.
6. Are there strengths or skills within the current team that you are looking to enhance?
Asking about what may be lacking in the current team gives you a deeper understanding of what may be expected of you as a future employee. Going in with a goal in mind can help you hit the mark and prove your value to the company straight away. However, this job interview question also lends the impression that you truly want to bridge gaps with your presence in the workforce.
7. As someone in a higher position for this company, what would you recommend to someone looking to make similar progress just starting out?
With this statement and question geared toward the interviewer, you show your interest in sticking around. But you also get insight into what the company may value most if you are indeed looking to move up the proverbial ladder.
8. I've noticed you've been here for [x] years. What is it about this company that keeps you committed?
You've done your research into the hiring manager or potential boss, and you are genuinely curious about what the company offers that keeps long-term employees on board. This interview question may also offer some insight into the positives of the company culture that contribute to employee retention.
9. What is something I should plan to accomplish within my first few months of employment at this company?
This question should be asked only if you feel like the interview as a whole has been a positive experience, and the interviewer is pleased enough to potentially call you back. By asking about a hypothetical situation in which you are already a team member, you show you can see yourself as part of the team and want to know what will be expected of you.
10. How would you describe the primary values of the company?
Company values are vital for prospective employees to understand. However, this kind of question also shows that you want to ensure you and the position within the company are a good fit.
Things You Need While Searching for a Job
Once you are armed with the knowledge about what kind of job will make you happy, there are core things to get lined up for a job search. Let's look at a few.
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2 Value
3 Value
4 Value
5 Value
What to Look for in a Job
Fun fact, most people will have about 12 different jobs in their working lifetime. This goes to show that finding a job that you love enough to hang onto takes some forethought and possibly a bit of trial and error. Just the same, you can make some plans in advance, helping you land in a position that leaves you perfectly content. Check out a few things to look for when looking for that perfect job.
