Five Questions to Ask at an Interview

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Jennifer Bouley, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

So you finally get a call for an interview with a company you have always wanted to work for! You get excited and want to do everything possible to exceed the interviewer’s expectations! You research the company, pick a professional outfit, and practice interview questions.

Do you ever take the time to think about how you will engage the interviewer? How about the types of questions you can ask them? In my experience interviewing candidates for a potential job, some of the most successful interviews have been people who were honest, engaging, and asked questions. Asking questions shows you have done your research and that you are genuinely interested in the job.

When you go to a job interview, the interviewer is trying to determine if you are the right person for the job, at the same time you want to show the interviewer that you are the right person for the job. You owe it to yourself to make sure that this company is the right fit for you. Being happy at your job is extremely important!

Some really powerful questions you can ask are;

Question One

What does the job look/feel like during the first six months?

Asking this question shows the interviewer that you are thinking long term and are concerned about how you will fit in with the company. You want to investigate the workplace culture, work hours, employer’s expectations, and how co-workers interact with one another.

Question Two

Where did you start at in the company? Or how did you join the company?

People love to tell their stories, if you show genuine interest in the interviewer you can build a relationship with them. If you have a memorable conversation with the interviewer they will remember you!

Question Three

Who would be your ideal candidate?

Every employer has an “ideal” person they would love to hire! Sometimes during an interview there are so many questions being asked that you might not have a chance to bring up a certain point about you or your skill set. When you ask this question you open a door to address any points that were missed during the interview.

Question Four

Do you have any concerns about me or my qualifications?

Sometimes during an interview a candidate might bring up something that concerns the interviewer. They might not have enough information and may want more clarification. By asking this question, you show that you have the ability to receive constructive feedback and are willing to apply it for self improvement! Employers love employees who can work well with constructive feedback.

Question Five

Is there a chance for professional education or training?

The workforce is constantly changing; we have to keep up with the change to stay competitive. Many employers offer professional development that is either mandatory or voluntary. Either way this is something that can really help keep you motivated at a new job. Asking this question also shows the interviewer that you are always looking for ways to learn and grow! This is a big bonus for both parties!