In a job interview, after answering all the interviewers questions, one of the last things you are usually asked is 'Do you have any questions for me?'
When preparing for the interview, having some questions ready to ask at the end demonstrates that you are prepared and interested in the role. It makes you look enthusiastic and engaged; qualities that the employer will be looking for.
Try to come up with a few questions to ask. Then if one or two of them are answered during the earlier discussion, you have backups in place.
Avoid asking questions that focus too much on what the organisation can do for you. Save questions about salary and holiday allowance for when you've got a job offer. Also, stay away from questions that require a yes or no answer, as you're likely to find this information on the company's website.
While it's ok to ask your interviewer to clarify certain points, avoid asking about anything that has previously been covered, or that can be easily found on their website. You do not want them to think that you haven't been paying attention, or that you haven’t done any research prior to the interview.
If you need some inspiration, here are some good questions to ask at an interview...
Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?
The answer will provide insight into what skills and experience are needed and will also help you decide if the role is right for you. It will also give you an idea of what the employer's expectations are, so if you're offered the job there should be no surprises when you start.
Are there opportunities for training and progression?
Enquiring about development opportunities demonstrates to the interviewer that you are serious about your career progression and committed to a future within the organisation.
Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?
The answer to this question will give you an insight into the company's progression plans, while giving you a general idea about job security. You may also get a heads-up on any major upcoming projects. Asking about future plans shows a real interest in the organisation and reiterates your commitment to the company.
Can you describe the working culture of the company?
Asking this question is a great way to assess the working environment of the company and it gives you the opportunity to discover whether you'll fit in.
From the interviewer’s response, you will learn if and how the organisation prioritises employee happiness, of any benefits on offer, and what the work-life balance is like.
What do you enjoy about your job?
This question enables you to build up a sense of camaraderie with your interviewer. It requires a personal response, so you could learn a lot from their answer. You'll get an insider's view of the company culture and working environment and you may even get to discover how your interviewer got their start in the business and how they progressed.
Can you tell me more about the team I would be working in?
This will help you understand the way the company is structured, who you'll report to, and the department the role sits within. These are the people you'll work most closely with, so it's worth trying to find out about the team dynamic and working methods.
Depending on the response, it may also give you the opportunity to mention any experience or success you've had working in similar teams - just to give the employer one final example of how well you'll fit in if you get the job.
Other useful questions to ask at interview include those about:
Performance appraisals
Opportunities or challenges facing the department & company
Company-specific projects or campaigns
If the employer doesn't give an indication of what happens next, then a good way to wrap up the interview is to ask about next steps and when you can expect to hear from them.
At CSS Recruitment, we work with our candidates to make sure they can put their best foot forward in their job interviews. For more information, or to apply for any of the roles that we are recruiting for, please get in touch.